"They fell, but o'er their glorious grave Floats free the banner of the cause they died to save." — Francis Marion Crawford (1854-1909), American novelist
To comment on "5/31 Memorial Day Quote" post, click here.
5/31 Memorial Day Quote
5/29 Weekend Break
I'm taking a break from posting this weekend. I may resume light posting on Monday (Memorial Day), or I may wait until Tuesday to do full posting. Meanwhile, enjoy this jam from R&B group The SOS Band. "Weekend Girl" was #40 on the U.S. R&B chart back in 1985:
To comment on "5/29 Weekend Break" post, click here.
5/28 VIDEO OF THE DAY: The Veronicas, "Untouched"
Here's pop rock for you, with electronic influences. The Veronicas are out of Brisbane, Australia. "Untouched" (2007) was an international hit: #1 in Ireland, #2 hit in Australia, #5 in Canada and the Netherlands, #8 in Britain, #9 in New Zealand, #10 in Finland, and #17 in the U.S.
To comment on "5/28 Video Of The Day" post, click here.
Obama & The BP Oil Spill: Bookerista Views
USA: Sandra Rose: "'Never Again': Obama & The BP Oil Spill"
The conservative blogger in metro Atlanta, Ga. opines: "Let’s face it: US president Barack Obama is not qualified to run this country. Obama has played golf several times and planned his 2nd vacation in the 6 weeks since the BP oil rig explosion. Along the way, he took a detour to the coast of Louisiana to inspect the oil damage only because of intense pressure from the media. For Obama life goes on, but life is at a standstill for the people in South Louisiana who rely heavily on the fishing and tourism industry."
He continues his commentary: "During his presidential campaign, Obama attacked George Bush for doing little to help the residents of post-Katrina New Orleans. Where are the Obama soundbites attacking his own administration for essentially doing nothing while 7 million barrels of crude oil leaks into the Gulf threatening the livelihood of millions? Don’t look for Obama to hold a press conference blasting BP any time soon. Did I mention that Obama was the largest recipient of campaign donations from BP? If you didn’t know how Obama would respond to a crisis when you voted for him, now you know."
Britain: Walaa Idris: "The Wise Remembers"
The Conservative Party activist in London opines: "Before his second visit to Louisiana today, President Obama angrily said; 'I was wrong in my belief that the oil companies had their act together when it came to worse case scenarios. Extraction is more expensive, and it is going to be inherently more risky, and so that’s part of the reason you never heard me say drill, baby drill.' Unfortunately in this particular situation [and I suspect that’s where the president’s frustration comes from] the federal government was never going to do more than BP (British Petroleum) because they neither have the capabilities nor the knowhow that BP has to deal with this situation!"
She continues her commentary: "For the president to clamp down on drilling because of this incident is shortsighted and very limited. If every time something goes wrong people stop in their tracks, mankind would not have sailed the seas and crossed the oceans, discovered America, or landed [o]n the [m]oon not to mention all the other wonderful medical and life saving discoveries. Catastrophes, natural and man made, have taught us more throughout the centuries than order did and the president will be wise to remember that."
To comment on "Obama & The BP Oil Spill: Bookerista Views" post, click here.
Gary Coleman Dead At Age 42: Bookerista Reaction
Former child TV star Gary Coleman died today at 2:05pm EDT after doctors took him off life support. The "Diff'rent Strokes" star had slipped into a coma after suffering an intracranial hemorrhage at his home on Wednesday. Bookeristas discuss the death of the troubled actor:
Constructive Feedback, a conservative blogger in metro Atlanta, Ga., writes: "I was saddened to hear the report that Gary Coleman has died at the age of 42. I had always hoped that he would get his self together and then forge a comeback as a television host somewhere. There is no doubt that Coleman's life after the hit television series, 'Different Strokes', went off the air was troubled. Both of the other child stars in the series, Todd Bridges and Dana Plato had their post stardom troubles. Ms Plato died several years ago of an overdose. I recently rented a 'Best Of Dave Chapelle Show' DVD that featured a scene about Gary Coleman. Coleman played a security guard who was down on his luck. He resented a female patron demanding that he say 'What You Talking About Willis' and proceeded to attack her. Add Gary Coleman to the long list of entertainment stars who failed to adapt to life and who died too young."
Kenneth Durden, a libertarian-conservative blogger, writes about Mr. Coleman: "I grew up watching this guy and I was so saddened by the way his life turned out. His parents should hang their heads in shame for how they mismanaged his money."
Samuel Gonzalez, a conservative Republican blogger in New York City, writes: "I was never much of a Gary Coleman fan because Different Strokes never appealed to me as a comedy. I felt the show was vastly overrated and considering Coleman was a teenager playing a young child always seemed kinda carnival side-showish. But, there’s a long list of broken lives when it comes to former child stars. So Gary, now you’re at peace!"
To comment on "Gary Coleman Dead At Age 42: Bookerista Reaction" post, click here.
Illegal Immigration: Bookerista Perspectives
Ripclawe: "Rand Paul Joins UK, India, Australia And Ireland To End Birthright Citizenship Position"
The conservative blogger in Florida supports the libertarian Republican candidate, who is running for the U.S. Senate in Kentucky, in his argument that the children of illegal immigrants should not have automatic U.S. citizenship "I would like to see the Dems run more vocally on the position that illegals have the right to their children having automatic citizenship. Even in more liberal countries automatic citizenship is not a right. The right here in the states is based on a gross misrepresentation of an amendment meant for children of slaves."
Lisa Carter: "Obama Values Latino Votes Over The Safety Of American Citizens"
Asserts the conservative Republican in Los Angeles, Calif.: "Barack Hussein Obama has really given new meaning to the term 'socialist.' He has now put 1,200 troops on the border, but has insisted to Mexico that the troops won't be used to stop criminal illegal aliens. Apparently, it doesn't matter when criminal illegal aliens destroy the value of American education, rape the welfare system and fly Mexican flags in favor of the American flag. Our forefathers must be spinning in their graves. At a rally against illegal immigrants [on Wednesday] in Los Angeles, many Democrats indicated they were sad to see Obama take such a wrong stand on the issue. Megan Simpson, a marketing executive in Century City, said she would be voting a straight Republican ticket next November for the first time in her life. 'I cannot believe what I voted for,' she says with regret."
To comment on "Illegal Immigration: Bookerista Perspectives" post, click here.
News: Bookeristas Running For Political Office
Alabama: Racial Discrimination Becomes Issue In Artur Davis/Ron Sparks Contest
An already bitter campaign between U.S. Rep. Artur Davis (pictured left) and Ron Sparks (pictured right) entered new territory on Thursday, mere days before the election, as staff for the moderate Democratic man seeking to become Alabama's first black governor aired accusations of racial discrimination against his Democratic primary opponent. In a radio ad and accompanying news release, a Davis spokesman said that three discrimination lawsuits against the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, which Mr. Sparks leads as commissioner, raise questions about whether the liberal Mr. Sparks is fit to lead the state.
Information provided by the Davis campaign details lawsuits filed by three employees of the state department led by Mr. Sparks, accusing Mr. Sparks of "failing to remedy systemic employment discrimination." Mr. Sparks also waited more than two years to act on a ruling involving a suspension of one of the employees, an "unjustifiable delay," U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson wrote in a court filing. "What kind of leader runs an office that keeps getting sued for conduct that should have ended years ago in Alabama?" Davis spokesman Alex Goepfert asked in an e-mail. Taylor Bright said Mr. Sparks was not personally involved in any of the three cases, adding that two were dismissed and the other was resolved with a "nominal settlement."
South Carolina: Tim Scott Surges In New Poll
South Carolina State. Rep. Tim Scott has surged ahead of the competition in a crowded race for the state's First Congressional District seat, according to a new poll released this week. The poll – conducted by National Research on behalf of the S.C. Club for Growth – shows the conservative Republican receiving 30 percent of the vote compared to 10 percent for Columbia lobbyist Carroll A. “Tumpy” Campbell III and 9 percent apiece for Charleston attorney Paul Thurmond (son of former U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond) and accountant Clark Parker. Five other contenders were also measuring support in the single digits.
The new poll shows him easily outdistancing his top two opponents in a runoff election – which would take place on June 22 if no candidate receives 50 percent of the vote in the primary election on June 8. The poll shows that Mr. Scott enjoys a commanding 53-28 percent lead over Mr. Campbell and a 55-19 percent lead over Mr. Thurmond in competing runoff scenarios.
To comment on "News: Bookeristas Running For Political Office" post, click here.
Lisa Carter: "Sorry, Sandra Bullock, Your Black Baby Doesn't Impress Me"
The conservative Republican in Los Angeles, Calif., discusses actress Sandra Bullock, who has been widely photographed with her new adopted son: "Dear Ms. Bullock: Congratulations on winning an Oscar for one of the worst movies ever, The Blind Side. You clearly did not deserve this award. But that's all beside the point -- there's something else I'm concerned about. You were married to a Nazi-loving skinhead named Jesse James for years. Do you think we believe that you didn't know his affiliation with Black and Jew hating groups? Adopting a Black baby doesn't cover this up, Sandra."
Ms. Carter continues her commentary about Ms. Bullock: "You are parading your new Black handbag baby around like it is some kind of toy to show people how 'tolerant' you are of African Americans. You are exploiting your kid in the news media. You are telling everybody how your new toy has changed your life. As a Black woman, I take a great offense to what you are doing. The liberal media might jump for joy, but your treatment of your new son reminds African Americans of the slave trade. In fact, it's even worse -- during [s]lavery, we had no rights. However, we were never the equivalent of handbags used to show White power. You are not American's sweetheart, Ms. Bullock. Even Patty Hearst is more deserving of the title than you. Sincerely, Lisa Carter"
To comment on "Sorry, Sandra Bullock" post, click here.
Sestak Backpedals
Kenneth Durden, a libertarian-conservative blogger, writes: "Congressman Joe Sestak is backpedaling on his repeated assertions that someone in the White House offered him a job if he would withdraw from running against Senator Arlen Specter. Sestak and the White House now agree that he just had a casual conversation with former-President Bill Clinton about a possible advisory position. Was it a threat or a future promise from the White House that made Sestak change his tune? It took the White House weeks to coordinate an answer. Why? OR Is it that Sestak was just hyping up a conversation to make himself seem more important? Either way, I hope the people of Pennsylvania will seriously question whether Sestak is someone they can trust to represent them in the US Senate."
To comment on "Sestak Backpedals" post, click here.
Gays In The U.S. Military: Bookerista Perspectives
Clifton Bazar: "House Votes To Allow The Repeal Of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell"
The conservative Republican blogger in New Jersey opines: "I don’t have a problem with homosexuals serving in the military. Homosexuals can be every bit the patriot as a heterosexual. Any homosexual willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect and defend our great nation should not be denied the opportunity. That being said, protecting and defending the nation should be their true reason. Hoisting the rainbow flag, as a primary concern should not. We have already seen how political correctness can kill. I do have to wonder though, with our financial house still in such disarray, why has the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, taken such prominence in Washington’s agenda? Any thoughts?"
Robert A. George: "Ron Paul's Civil Rights Act?"
Asks the moderate-conservative Republican blogger in New York City, about the U.S. House vote to repeal DADT: "In an interesting bit of irony considering the political headlines of the last couple of weeks, Rep. Ron Paul [pictured] made a little bit of history last night: He was one of five House Republicans to vote for repealing 'don't ask, don't tell' (the measure passed 234-294, with 26 Democrats voting against ). The other four GOPers? Brand-new House member Charles Djou of Hawaii, Vietnamese-American Anh 'Joseph' Cao of Louisiana, Cuban-American Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida and Judy Biggert of Illinois. In case you couldn't tell from the names and description, that means Paul was -- as noted effusively on Twitter -- the only white male Republican to vote for repeal. Given how much attention made to the against-conventional-wisdom view of Paul and his son, Kentucky GOP Senate nominee Rand Paul, about the constitutionality of the Civil Rights Act, this vote is both surprisng and maybe less so."
More: "It's mildly surprising because, when running for president, Paul had said that he thought DADT was a 'decent policy' viewed through the prism of curtailing identity politics. But there's evidence of evolution in his thinking over the years. However, in his public discussions over the CRA, he has said that government should have a strict non-discrimination approach. It was in the area of private interaction where the Pauls believe that discrimination should be permitted (or not forbidden, depending on your perspective).....In any event, it's good to see Ron Paul walk the walk on what can be seen as an issue of equal justice under the law. And it's also interesting to see an incredibly odd bloc of GOP diversity coming together on this sort of vote."
To comment on "Gays In The U.S. Military: Bookerista Perspectives" post, click here.
Blacks And The Likeability Paradox
Jim Collier, a moderate blogger in California, opines: "Blacks often talk about what’s in somebody’s heart, particularly White hearts. 'The problem with the 1964 Civil Rights Act was that White folks didn’t feel it in their hearts', say Black historians. So what is it with the Black need that people like them deep down? It seems as though the group is constantly looking for their Sally Field 'You really like me!' moment (which BTW ain’t never coming). Frankly, I always thought being liked was overrated. Liking or disliking someone is a discretionary choice, whereas obstructing their freedom is a violation of the US Constitution. Keep your damn feelings, just give me my rights."
He continues his commentary: "Now switching up the gears, for all of the demand to have Whites genuinely welcome Blacks into their hearts, Black folks also seem hell-bent on generating dislike. This is illustrated by the ‘keepin’ it real’ model of dealing with folks. If Blacks don’t like someone (and this is often) they are compelled to show it, without restraint. Out of my face! No perceived slight, however small, is ever ignored. Benefit of what doubt, you say? Don’t hide your feelings in order to feed your family, or secure your future. White folks suck it up, yes. Asians? Definitely. Black folks, they keep it real till' it all goes wrong, and then they line up at unemployment, with kids in tow. This is the likability paradox."
To comment on "Blacks And The Likeability Paradox" post, click here.
Open Thread Friday
As this young Barbadian girl would do, discuss whatever is close to your heart. However, you know the drill: keep it clean and civil.
To comment on "Open Thread Friday" post, click here.
5/27 News: Soul Music
Maxwell has revealed he has been forced to delay the second album from his comeback trilogy - because the first was so successful. The R&B crooner (birth name: Gerald Maxwell Rivera) said he wanted to give fans space to enjoy the first record from the BLACKsummers'night series. He joked: "These are good problems, I guess. I had a plan - every year something new, and I thought that that would be a good enough time to sort of give people space to feel like they weren't being inundated by what I was doing."
"BLACKsummers'night" — his first album in eight years — has sold more than 1 million copies since it was released last summer. It won the 37-year-old singer the first two Grammys of his career earlier this year. He's just launched a tour with singer-actress Jill Scott; he will also be touring with Erykah Badu and Melanie Fiona on other dates.
Janelle Monae Puts The Android Into R&B
The Guardian (UK) asserts that an obsession with science fiction and 1960s soul could help Janelle Monae become this decade's most interesting pop star. "By drawing in these references from classic science fiction, Monae joins a rich history of black artists looking beyond the ozone layer. Take Lil Wayne's Mars fixation, or Afrika Bambaataa and Rammellzee presenting themselves as beamed-down Afrofuturists. The spaceship imagery of Sun Ra, George Clinton and Herbie Hancock is arguably an extension of the spiritual ascension of John Coltrane and Albert Ayler, all of them perhaps attempting to escape racism and the spectre of slavery. Is Monae, with her own intergalactic canvas, trying to rise above the pigeonholes for today's black female singers?"
More about Janelle Monae Robinson: "Her styling would seem to confirm this: an androgynous, notably non-flesh-baring suit harking back to Little Richard, sealed with a wetly sculpted quiff. She tweeted recently: 'You diss my black and white uniform, you are dissing the working man and woman. My mother and father. Your ancestors.' This, blended with her android persona, seems to suggest Monae is also archly referencing black history by creating a robotic simulacrum of a subordinated black musician, who then breaks free."
To comment on "5/27 News: Soul Music" post, click here.
Who Fueled The Greatest Increase In American Entrepreneurship In 2009? African Americans
Business startups reached their highest level in 14 years in 2009, according to a new Kauffman Foundation study. Data shows 558,000 new businesses were created each month in 2009, with African-Americans and people 55 and older fueling the greatest increases. "Challenging economic times can serve as a motivational boost to individuals who have been laid off to become their own employers and future job creators," said Carl Schramm, head of the Kauffman Foundation. "Because entrepreneurs drive up the economy, the growth in 2009 business startups is encouraging and hopefully points to a trend in terms of our economic recovery."
The increase in startups in 2009 continues a modest trend that began in 2007, based on Census and Bureau of Labor statistics. Entrepreneurial activity rose last year among both men and women and among non-Latino whites, while slipping slightly for Latinos and Asians. Geographically, entrepreneurship increased at its highest rate west of the Mississippi River, with Oklahoma, Montana, Arizona, Texas and Idaho realizing the largest gains. In these five states alone, roughly 450 per 100,000 adults created a business each month in 2009. In metropolitan areas, Houston had the highest business startup rate last year, while Seattle had the lowest.
To comment on "Who Fueled The Greatest Increase In American Entrepreneurship In 2009?" post, click here.
News: Liberia
President Obama: "Liberia's Sirleaf Is An Inspiration To Africa"
U.S. President Barack Obama today lauded the "heroism" of Liberia's President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, saying her commitment to democracy stood as an example for other troubled African nations. President Obama met President Sirleaf in the Oval Office, and pledged the United States would stand with Liberia at every step of the way of its democratization. "She is committed to the rule of law, made strides in reforming the judiciary and in all these endeavors I want to make sure the people of Liberia understand...that the United States is a constant friend and partner", said President Obama.
President Sirleaf said her country had made important progress, and she thanked President Obama for his and America's support. Africa's first elected female head of state, President Sirleaf said that she would not hide the fact that Liberia had challenges since its 1989-2003 civil war, but added that all basic freedoms were alive in her country today. "We said that we were going to make Liberia rise again. I come today on behalf of the Liberian people to say that we have made a lot of progress," she said. "We have been able to maintain peace for seven years now."
Naomi Campbell May Be Subpoenaed In Blood Diamond Case
The supermodel may be called to testify as a witness in the United Nations case against Charles Taylor (pictured right), the exiled former president of Liberia. Prosecutors in the case filed a motion for her testimony, as they want to hear about the uncut “blood diamonds” that Taylor gave her in 1997 at a dinner party at former South African president Nelson Mandela’s home. Taylor is currently on trail for the war crimes committed during the Sierra Leone conflict in the 1990s. He denies the allegations that he gave arms and ammunition to rebels during the civil war in exchange for diamonds.
Prosecutors believe they may get a subpoena against Ms. Campbell because actress Mia Farrow took pictures of her with Taylor at the dinner. Ms. Farrow also said that Ms. Campbell told her about the diamonds the following morning. Carole White, Ms. Campbell’s former agent, corroborated Ms. Farrow’s story, saying she heard Taylor tell the model he would give her the diamonds. Ms. Campbell has declined to comment on the case.
To comment on "News: Liberia" post, click here.
DENNIS SANDERS OP-ED: Up The Long Ladder
The moderate Republican blogger in Minnesota argues that American conservatism must moderate: "Conservatism in the UK seems to be undergoing a transformation. In the run-up to the elections held earlier this month, Conservative Party leader David Cameron lead a party that was more moderate and inclusive than in the past. Dissident conservatives here in the US looked with awe and a bit of sadness. Bloggers such as Andrew Sullivan and E.D. Kain seem to act as if conservatism in America is past the point of no return. It is a movement that is not serious about governing, trapped in an information cocoon, and filled with hatred for gays and anyone not white. Which of course, can accurately describe some parts of American conservatism and the Republican Party. But is it too late for reform? And if it isn't, how should it take place?"
He continues his commentary: "There are times that I think otherwise, but I don't think it is too late for conservatism to reform. The questions for me is not if conservatism will reform, but who will reform it. I think the answer to the question is that conservatism will reform when there are enough people who want it to reform. I'm not talking soley about the politicians, but the rank and file, the everyday folk who get sick and tired of being sick and tired. The thing is, most of the rank and file tend to walk away and give up the fight. Tired of the bigoted and small minded people who tend to be the voice of the American Right, many just give up and leave the Republican Party and conservatism. Why that is? That's the subject of a future post."
More commentary from Mr. Sanders: "I believe that for the GOP to survive in the long run, it has to become more 'moderate,' to be a more inclusive party and willing to find ways to run a smaller and activist government. But none of this will happen overnight. It will happen when regular people decide to get involved in reform-minded groups and fight for change. One of the reasons I decided to become a Republican was because of groups like Republicans for Environmental Protection. They have long staked out a lonely voice, but the keep at it, working for a more 'green' Republican Party. So, yes I believe conservatism in America can be saved. But will only change when those who complain the most, get to work."
To comment on "Up The Long Ladder" post, click here.
Rama Yade: "France Should Have A Referendum On Whether To Ban The Burka, In Order To Bypass Any Legal Obstacles"
Rama Yade, the French Secretary of State for Sport, supports a referendum on the wearing of burkas in France, but said it was a "purely personal opinion" (article in French). "If the government's bill [to ban the burka] raises legal questions, I recommend passing it through a referendum," said Secretary Yade - a Senegalese-born, moderate-conservative politico who comes from a Muslim family - during the program "Face the Christians" program organized by the newspaper La Croix and FCR radio. "For reasons of security, protection of women, promotion of gender equality and defending the principles of secularism, it is important that the situation is clarified," she insisted about the full veil.
The youngest member of President Nicolas Sarkozy's administration government and the former human rights minister, Ms. Yade also stressed the need to "take seriously" the fact that some Muslims feel stigmatized about the burka debate. We need religious bodies and women's groups involved in this process. Pedagogy must accompany this debate."
To comment on "Rama Yade" post, click here.
VIDEO: Ayaan Hirsi Ali Appearance On "Tavis Smiley"
Hat tip to reader Dragon Horse for this one. On Tuesday, Ayaan Hirsi Ali was on Tavis Smiley's PBS show to discuss her new book, Nomad: From Islam To America, A Personal Journey Through The Clash Of Civilizations. There is no video embed, but you can view the 13-minute video (or read the transcript) by clicking here.
Now an atheist, the Somalia-born libertarian feminist was raised a strict Muslim. She survived civil war, female genital mutilation and life in four unstable countries before escaping an arranged marriage by immigrating to the Netherlands. There, she earned a political science degree and became a member of Parliament and an outspoken critic of Islamist oppression. Under armed guard due to death threats because of her criticism of Islam, Ms. Hirsi Ali is a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and the author of several books, including The Caged Virgin, the international best-seller Infidel and Nomad.
To comment on "Ayaan Hirsi Ali Appearance On "Tavis Smiley" post, click here.
Interracial Marriage Still Rising In USA, But Not As Fast
Hat tip to reader Nanakwame for this one. The growth of interracial marriages is slowing among U.S.-born Hispanics and Asians. Still, blacks are substantially more likely than before to marry whites. The number of interracial marriages in the U.S. has risen 20 percent since 2000 to about 4.5 million. While still growing, that number is a marked drop-off from the 65 percent increase between 1990 and 2000.
About 8 percent of U.S. marriages are mixed-race, up from 7 percent in 2000. About 40 percent of U.S.-born Asians now marry whites — a figure unchanged since 1980. Their likelihood of marrying foreign-born Asians, meanwhile, multiplied 3 times for men and 5 times for women, to 20 percent. Among U.S.-born Hispanics, marriages with whites increased modestly from 30 percent to 38 percent over the past three decades. But when it came to marriages with foreign-born Hispanics, the share doubled — to 12.5 percent for men, and 17.1 percent for women. In contrast, blacks are now three times as likely to marry whites than in 1980. About 14.4 percent of black men and 6.5 percent of black women are currently in such marriages.
Due to increasing interracial marriages, multiracial Americans are a small but fast-growing demographic group, making up about 5 percent of the minority population. Together with blacks, Hispanics and Asians, the Census Bureau estimates they collectively will represent a majority of the U.S. population by mid-century. Still, many multiracial people — particularly those who are part black — shun a "multi" label in favor of identifying as a single race. By some estimates, two-thirds of those who checked the single box of "black" on the census form are actually mixed, including President Barack Obama, who identified himself as black in the 2010 census even though his mother was white.
Census figures also show that Hawaii had the highest share of mixed marriages, about 32 percent. It was followed by Alaska, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Nevada, which ranged from 15 percent to 19 percent. The bottom five states were Pennsylvania, Maine, Kentucky, Mississippi and West Virginia, each ranging from 3 percent to 4 percent. However, Mississippi had the fastest growth in mixed marriages from 2000 to 2008.
Booker Rising response: I see that the "standard" in this AP piece is marrying whites. What about black-Asian marriages, or Hispanic-black marriages, or Hispanic-Asian marriages?
To comment on "Interracial Marriage Still Rising In USA, But Not As Fast", click here.
News: Bookerista Veterans
Allen West Gets Vets For Freedom Endorsement
Vets for Freedom is backing 10 Republican congressional candidates in an initiative dubbed "OPERATION 10-IN-10." The organization is focused this year on electing Iraq and Afghanistan veterans running for office. Among the individuals it is backing is former lieutenant colonel Allen West (pictured), a conservative Republican running in Florida's 22nd Congressional District.
Vets for Freedom plans to offer grassroots, media and get-out-the-vote support to all 10 House candidates. Executive director Pete Hegseth says in a statement that these contenders are the most competitive veterans running for office this year: "America's newest warrior class is running to take back Washington, and inject a much-needed dose of courage, honor, and principle into Capitol Hill. These men understand the threats we face as a nation, and what it takes to ensure our war-fighters and commanders in the field — especially in Iraq and Afghanistan—have the resources, strategy, and support they need to win." Read more about the initiative here.
Colin Powell To Talk At Unveiling Of Korean War Monument
A new monument to veterans of the Korean War will be dedicated on Tuesday morning in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Retired general and former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, a moderate Republican, plans to speak during the ceremony. The 6-foot memorial is made of black stone. It features 507 engraved names of U.S. military personnel who died in the hostilities or were declared missing during the Korean War from 1950 to 1957.
To comment on "News: Bookerista Veterans" post, click here.
Conservative Democrats Balk At Jobless Benefits Package
Democrats struggled today to extend jobless benefits for people who have been out of work for long stretches as lawmakers worried about the growing budget deficit balked at a scaled down package. House leaders had scheduled a vote today on a bill that would extend the benefits through November, but they ran into opposition from Republicans and some Democrats concerned about the cost of the overall bill. "They need to go back to the drawing board," said Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate and conservative Democrats in the U.S. House. Coalition members are unhappy that the bill would add $84 billion to the budget deficit. They met with House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer this morning, but were unmoved. "We have serious reservations," said Rep. Dennis A. Cardoza (D-Calif). "There are many small sticking points."
The benefits are part of a sweeping package of unfinished business that lawmakers hope to complete before their Memorial Day recess. Democratic leaders cut the package of spending and tax cuts on Wednesday by about $50 billion — to $143 billion — in an attempt to pick up votes. It's a tough vote for lawmakers who want to help constituents hit hard by the recession but are wary of being labeled big spenders.
The expanded benefits provide up to 99 weeks of payments in many states, at a cost of nearly $40 billion. The benefits are part of a bill that includes a one-year extension of about 50 tax breaks that expired at the end of last year and a delay in scheduled cuts in Medicare payments to doctors. Subsidies to help laid-off workers pay for health insurance would continue through November, at a cost of $7 billion. States would get $24 billion to help cover Medicaid costs. The bill's cost would be partially offset by $57 billion in tax increases on investment fund managers, oil companies and some international businesses over the next decade. Changes giving underfunded pensions more time to improve their finances would raise $2 billion.
Comment on "Conservative Democrats Balk At Jobless Benefits Package" here.
Democracy Website: American Revolution Center
The American Revolution Center, which will be based in Philadelphia, will establish America's first national museum to specifically commemorate the entire story of the American Revolution and its enduring legacy. From its website: "The American Revolution Center is also documenting, preserving, researching and exhibiting its distinguished collection of objects, artifacts, manuscripts, and printed works from the period of the American Revolution. In addition, the Center continues to build a website that provides a broad range of educational resources for teachers, students, and the general public. The Center is collaborating with other institutions and organizations in the United States and around the world to explore and promote the American Revolution."
For my non-American readers: the black dude in the American Revolution depiction above is sailor Crispus Attucks, the first martyr of the American Revolution. More specifically, he was killed by British troops on March 5, 1770 during the Boston Massacre. The five civilians who were killed sparked outrage, eventually leading to the American Revolution.
To comment on "Democracy Website: American Revolution Center" post, click here.
Obama’s Sestak Problem Is Not Going Away
Asserts Clifton Bazar, a conservative Republican blogger in New Jersey, about Rep. Joe Sestak's (D-Pa.) claim that the White House offered him a job to drop out of the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania: "Joe Sestak isn’t fooling anyone with his half answer about being offered a job to drop out of his race against Specter. All seven Republicans on the Senate Judicial Committee are asking Attorney General Eric Holder to appoint an independent prosecutor to look into the matter. We all know that seven Republicans asking anything of this partisan administration won’t amount to a hill of bean. However, liberal voices are starting to questions the White House/ Sestak offer. Enter Pennsylvania governor Ed Rendell, who by no stretch of the imagination could be considered anti-Obama, is asking for details into the job offer."
He continues: "Sestak let the cat’s head out of the bag. [White House press secretary] Robert Gibbs confirmed that the cat was peeking out. At this point both sides need to come clean and just say what is what and let the chips fall as the may. The current situation where Sestak says he got a job offer and the administration says yeah but it was legal leaves out way too much detail to end the speculation. Both parties have to come clean or Sestak could go down and Republicans will have something to look into when they get control. Already Rep. Darryl Issa has raised The Impeachment issue. I would caution Issa on that route. Have you seen the order of succession?"
To comment on "Obama’s Sestak Problem Is Not Going Away" post, click here.
BOOKERISTA DEBATE: Should Gays Be Able To Openly Serve In The U.S. Military?
As folks may know, the Obama administration is working to repeal the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy on gays in the U.S. military. I've already stated my position on the issue, which is in favor of repeal. Bookeristas weigh in on the issue:
YES: D.C. Big Pappa: "Some People Need To Get Their Head Out Of Their Asses"
Assert the gay conservative Republican blogger in D.C. writes: "Blogger Joe.My.God alerts us to some idiots at a site called American’s Survival, Inc. (I won’t link to them) who claim that lifting the ban on gays serving honorably in the military would exposed tens of thousands to disease and add 'danger to the risks they already face in fighting for our freedom around the world.' I guess he doesn’t realize that there are already closeted gay men and woman who already serve. Just another asshat."
NO: Alan Keyes: "Military Gay Ban Repeal - Welcome Mat Or Scarecrow?"
The conservative activist and America's Independent Party member is staunchly opposed to repealing the policy, calling it a tyrannical move: "Will the prospect of a Dutch military style, hothouse atmosphere in the ranks tempt many such faithful and conscientious American patriots to leave those ranks? Will it discourage others like them from joining? The Obama faction’s secularist elitism apparently leads them to be rather more at home with people who curse like Satan’s drill sergeant than with those who pray in Jesus’ name. The repeal of the ban on open homosexuality in the military is likely to prove an excellent tool for culling the latter. Will that leave in place people with little or no sense that the Creator’s high command issues an order no other can repeal? Will it attract folks more interested in self-esteem than self-respect? Will it produce a military instrument more apt to accept without demur orders to force a free people to give up the very things that good Americans served, fought and died for throughout our history?"
Mr. Keyes continues his commentary: "That’s the thing about people who happily confess their indoctrination in Saul Alinsky’s 'Rules for Radicals'. Only hopeless fools can take anything they do at face value. Everything they do ultimately serves to undermine and overthrow the system that enjoys their unremitting enmity. In this case, their move to repeal the ban on homosexuals in the military may aim in practice to produce a ban on people who share the values of the American majority, including their sense that, for all the propaganda of the elite homosexualists there are some asserted 'rights' that just ain’t so."
Comment on "Should Gays Be Able To Openly Serve In The U.S. Military?" post here.
Standing Out Is Not Always A Plus!
Walaa Idris, a Conservative Party activist in London, wonders why so many Labour Party elites are trying to block outspoken, longtime parliamentarian Diane Abbott's (pictured) bid to become the Labour Party's leader (which would put MP Abbott in position to become a future prime minister): "Are we ‘seriously’ to believe that no-one in Labour’s 258 strong MPs [aside of David Lammy] thinks that Diane Abbott is a worthy candidate for the Labour party leadership contest!? Could it be that she might make such a good prospective candidate that the whole parliamentary party is conspiring in blocking her nomination!? Well, she is definitely very popular with the public and her constituents who have returned her to parliament with double her 2005 majority at a time [that] Labour is very unpopular!"
Ms. Idris continues her commentary about MP Abbott: "So what gives, why is Ms Abbott such a loser amongst her own party? How come in over 20 years as an elected MP she never once held a front bench post – could the same reasons that kept her from progressing in the party are now keeping her from gaining the nominations she needs to stand for leadership of the party? Could the reason be race, gender, personality a combination or all? Because, there is a reason, people find it strange that the self styled progressive party can not produce one ‘progressive’ candidate to run for their leadership when all they talked about during their time in government was how the other parties and in particular the Tories were not diverse, inclusive and behind the times. Furthermore where is loud mouth Ms Harman – where is her imposed equality now! How can she find it appropriate and necessary to impose an All Women Short list on constituencies and associations but not on the parliamentary party? Or is the first cosmetic and superficial window dressing while the later is deep and serious business and when it comes down to business every man and woman for himself!?"
To comment on "Standing Out Is Not Always A Plus!" post, click here.
Rand Paul Says Federal Government Went Overboard With Civil Rights Act Of 1964: Bookerista Perspectives, Pt. 5
Larry Elder: "Letting Rand Paul Twist In The Wind"
The libertarian-conservative Republican in California opines that the center-right should back Mr. Paul's comments on liberty grounds: "Libertarian Rand Paul, Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate from Kentucky, shocked many conservatives when he refused to give full-throated support for the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Act criminalized public sector racial discrimination, and struck down laws that required discrimination and segregation. But it went much further. It outlawed racial discrimination by private actors such as restaurant and hotel owners who refused to serve blacks. National Review's Rich Lowry, for example, wrote: '[T]he Civil Rights Act was the last spasm of the Civil War. The South had frustrated the imposition of black civil rights during Reconstruction in a low-grade insurgency that successfully rumbled on into the 1960s. Black civil rights weren't going to be vindicated any time soon, absent the application of federal power again ...I'm sympathetic to libertarianism, but it sometimes has a weakness for theoretical exercises removed from reality.' This sounds like a white, guilt-ridden rationalization to justify an abandonment of principle. And it has real world, not merely 'theoretical,' consequences. For one thing, it encourages grievance-driven race-based identity politics — and invites special-interest legislation to protect all manner of niche groups perceived as having been 'held down by The Man.' It is in these waters that professional victim seekers and exploiters like the Rev. Al Sharpton, race and gender 'advocacy groups,' and the Democratic Party do their fishing."
Mr. Elder continues his commentary: "Rand's critics also unintentionally expose the condescending way 'compassionate conservatives' deem that blacks — still standing after slavery and Jim Crow — are in need of protection by rare 'noble' whites from the bigot-infested world through which blacks are obviously incapable of navigating. Why else throw overboard the just and basic principle that private actors, short of engaging in force or fraud, should behave as they wish? What about the pro-life pharmacist who considers it immoral to stock and sell the morning-after pill? What about the landlady who thinks homosexuality is immoral and refuses to rent to a gay couple? What if she refuses to rent to an illegal alien? What about the 'morally straight' Boy Scouts organization that discriminates against an openly gay scoutmaster? What about the healthy 25-year-old who refuses to purchase health insurance? Republicans go all deer-in-the-headlights when someone questions their colorblind bona fides. But when Nazi sympathizers want publicly to march, many conservatives correctly defend the 'right.' Constitutional rights extend to both saints and sinners and those in between, no matter the outrage — in this instance of Jewish Holocaust survivors over the prospect of swastika-wearing fascists parading through their neighborhood. This is freedom 101."
More: "It is this freedom to discriminate that enabled Black Entertainment Television founder Robert Johnson to become a billionaire through the use of race-based programming. It is this freedom that allows the Miss Black America beauty pageant to exclude non-black applicants. It is this freedom that allows private colleges and universities to discriminate against white applicants with higher SAT scores to achieve 'diversity' by helping the 'underrepresented.' The Congressional Black Caucus discriminates when it refuses membership to whites, as it did recently to a white Tennessee representative even though he represents a majority black district."
Final thoughts: "The well-intended, but misguided, passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 — as applied to private conduct — sought to change not only whites' behavior but also their 'feelings.' Some blacks perceive racial hostility toward them from their local Korean grocer. But if treated with a smile and offered quality goods at fair prices, most blacks patronize the store. People expect and respond to a certain measure of respect as a customer, regardless of how the proprietors may personally 'feel' about them. Instead of defending Paul on this issue against race-card-playing leftists like MSNBC's Rachel Maddow, conservatives/Republicans/pundits panicked. How are we to get the country back on the course set by its Founders if we cannot stand with the Rand Pauls of the nation on the bedrock principle of maximum personal liberty?"
Devone Tucker: "A Bad Call By Larry Elder"
The conservative Republican blogger in Massachusetts isn't feeling Mr. Elder's latest op-ed piece: "Larry Elder tries desperately to rationalize Rand Paul’s recent comments on the 1964 Civil Rights Act by attacking National Review editor Rich Lowry. (Why can’t some libertarians understand that when a Republican candidate suggests that folks in the private sector have a God-given right to treat people like second-class citizens based on immutable characteristics, it makes the GOP look really, really stupid?)"
To comment on "Rand Paul" post, click here.
5/26 Bookeristas In The News
Colin Powell To Appear On ABC's "This Week" On Sunday
Former U.S. Secretary of State Gen. Colin Powell will appear on the television show to talk about the importance of honoring those who serve and weigh in on America’s foreign policy challenges. As tensions ratchet up with North Korea and Iran, and with wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, “This Week” anchor Jake Tapper will ask the moderate Republican whether U.S. President Obama's’s strategy is the right approach in confronting the national security challenges. Also, how does Mr. Powell respond to the proposed compromise that could hasten the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law? Plus, the latest on Grad Nation, Mr. Powell’s effort to promote education and curb the high school dropout epidemic.
Davena Rankin: Scottish Parliamentarian?
Ms. Rankin, a trade unionist and Conservative Party member, may have lost her British Parliament bid earlier this month in her staunchly-Labour Party district. However, there is talk that she is a key contender to get the top spot in the Conservative Party's Glasgow list rankings, and a probable seat in the Scottish Parliament. How so? More than a quarter of Scotland’s Tory MSPs are under pressure to stand down at the next Scottish Parliament election after the retirement of party veteran Bill Aitken. His decision turned up the pressure on the party’s older MSPs, dubbed bed blockers, to do likewise so new blood can fight for the Conservative Party in Scotland.
Some info about Ms. Rankin, who is half-Scottish and half-Caribbean: she has a B.S. degree in medicinal chemistry from the University of Sussex. She is a part-time PhD student at Glasgow Caledonian University, where her research examines technology transfer in Scotland.
To comment on "5/26 Bookeristas In The News" post, click here.
Africa's Local Business Champions Begin To Spread To Serve Africa's Growing Middle Class
Foreign consumer-goods companies including Coca-Cola Co., Nestlé SA and Unilever PLC have been in Africa for decades without much competition from local players. Now, home-grown companies are expanding aggressively across the continent, eager to accommodate a growing middle-class among the billion-person population (hat tip: Sam Mbale). Among the most prominent of these consumer upstarts: African retailers such as Nakumatt Holdings Ltd. of Kenya, the top supermarket chain in East Africa, MTN Group Ltd., Africa's largest cellphone provider, and South African restaurant chain Spur Corp. Nakumatt has expanded into three neighboring countries while 348-restaurant chain Spur has opened in seven other African countries.
Aiding entrepreneurs' cross-border expansion is an African gross domestic product expected to grow 4.3% this year from just under US$1.5 trillion in 2009, according to the International Monetary Fund, a clip that trails only China and India among the world's massive emerging markets. The growing investment and trade, from African companies in African countries, has helped cushion the continent from the shocks of the global economic crisis. Commercial growth also is being fueled in part by the rise of young African banks that have opened branches across the continent, providing much-needed capital to local companies. Ecobank, from Togo, now has branches in 27 African countries and $9 billion in assets. In Nigeria, 10-year-old Guaranty Trust Bank PLC operates in five English-speaking West African countries.
Big obstacles for businesses remain. Weak infrastructure means higher energy costs and trouble moving goods between countries. Cumbersome trade tariffs deter investment in new African markets. And the majority of people in African countries live well below the poverty line, limiting their spending power. Yet many African companies are finding ways around these barriers. Nigerian fertilizer company Notore Chemicals Ltd. has gone to governments to pitch the benefits of improved regional trade, and recently established a distribution chain that the company hopes will stretch across the 20 nations of Francophone Africa.
Several countries are taking steps to reduce trade barriers. East African nations have agreed to create a regional trade zone, reducing the cost of cross-border trade. Johannesburg-based restaurant franchiser Spur, with US$22.8 million in sales last year, has pushed north into resort areas of Namibia, Kenya and into the capital of Botswana. MTN Group, Africa's largest cell phone-network provider, has become a regional powerhouse, with a presence in 17 African countries, in large part because it is based on the continent and was able to recognize and take advantage of fast cell phone growth. It has 116 million subscribers in 21 countries.
To comment on "Africa's Local Business Champions" post, click here.
BOOKERISTA DEBATE: Is President Obama Serious About Securing America's Borders?
YES: Michelle D. Bernard: "National Guard Troops On The Mexican Border Is A Good Call"
Asserts the conservative head of the Independent Women's Forum: "President Obama is trying to show that he is serious about enforcing the border. Sending 1,200 national guardsm[e]n sends a message — and a much needed one — that this Administration isn't just in the business of criticizing state efforts to control the borders and deter illegal immigration. If the Administration doesn't like Arizona's new immigration law, then they need to step up federal enforcement of the border instead of just leaving states to deal with the fall out of the federal failure."
She continues her commentary: "It remains to be seen how effective these national guardsmen will be in actually preventing illegal entry into the country. Clearly, this is at best a short-term solution to a long-term problem. The good news is that this move suggests that the Administration understands the critical importance of securing the border. Our lax border policy is a national security weakness as well as a drain on public resources. Yet just as importantly, Americans currently don't trust government to control the borders and therefore oppose efforts to provide a pathway to citizenship for those who are already illegally in this country. Border security has to come before comprehensive immigration reform. And perhaps this action is a necessary prelude to real action. Maybe the Administration and Congress will act before the mid-term elections in November. It’s highly unlikely, but one can hope anyway."
NO: Clifton Bazar: "Token Gesture? Obama Authorizes 1,200 Troops To The Border"
The conservative Republican blogger in New Jersey isn't impressed by the U.S. president's move: "In typical Obama fashion, this is more about appearances than actually fixing the problem. 1,200 National Guard troops on the Arizona border alone might make an impact, but 1,200 troops over four states is not even a spit in the bucket. At any rate, this token gesture is an acknowledgement that Arizona and Governor Brewer were right along. Now that polls show that Hispanic voters in the west have swung toward Democrats, Obama and the Democrats have less reason to hold their unpopular positions. I am sure they all will be trying to sell themselves as tough on border security after this maneuver."
More: "Obama’s token gesture with the 1,200 troops has prompted Mexico to add their two cents (like we give a damn)....How’s that for chutzpah? Mexico cannot police the outflow from its own border, but is going to dictate how we police ours. I cannot wait until we [have] a [p]ro-American president back in the White House who will actually tell Mexico what time it is."
Comment on "Is President Obama Serious About Securing America's Borders?" here.
Bookeristas on North Korea
North Korea claims that it had no role in the sinking of South Korea's Cheonan warship on March 26. Others, including South Korea, disagree. Bookeristas weigh in on the issue
Armstrong Williams: "Kim Jong-Il, Insanity Plea!"
The conservative Republican commentator in Washington, D.C. argues that North Korea's dictator is irrational: "What does Kim Jong-il expect to gain from this dangerous game of brinksmanship? Does he want to gain control of South Korea? Does he expect some kind of nuclear ransom for his insane behavior? Does he truly think that he can destroy the United States military by engaging its proxy, South Korea? Is he trying to provoke a nuclear holocaust? Deep down maybe he's feeling that he truly doesn't have anything to lose by putting this endgame in motion."
More: "When examining all the rational reasons and outcomes of his behavior, one must come to the inescapable conclusion: that without a doubt, he is a madman. Perhaps we should be sending a corps of world-renowned psychiatrists to North Korea, rather than diplomats, to resolve this brewing crisis. Upon their arrival they should be well-supplied with the lithium drugs or surgical instruments to perform a welcomed lobotomy..."
Ryan Frazier: "Korean Conflict"
The libertarian-conservative Republican city councilman in Aurora, Colo., who is running for the U.S. Congress, opines about the situation: "With its unjustified attack on a South Korean warship, and the catastrophic loss of life, North Korea has again reaffirmed why it is considered a rogue state. In the midst of the ongoing War on Terror, rogue states with nuclear capabilities are especially dangerous. The Korean peninsula is an important geographical location and we must closely monitor the growing tensions in the region. South Korea has been one of our closest allies and we should help support their country with the prudent resources that they need to defend themselves.”
To comment on "Bookeristas on North Korea" post, click here.
BOOKERISTA DEBATE: Are Libertarians Correct That Liberty In America Requires That Private Businesses (But Not Government) Have The Right To Discriminate?
YES: William N. Grigg: "'Civil Rights' And Total War"
The libertarian blogger in Idaho is not a fan of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, arguing that it undermines private property rights and liberty: "Although the post-war military dictatorship in the South ended in 1877, the 1964 'civil rights' act is a continuation -- and expansion -- of Reconstruction. That act was designed and intended to make every private institution, transaction, and relationship subject to federal scrutiny in the name of abolishing 'discrimination.' In principle, and sometimes in practice, the federal 'civil rights' apparatus is literally making war upon Americans whose hiring policies, business practices, and private associations don't find favor with the exalted beings who have made themselves the arbiters of acceptable attitudes and social outcomes."
He continues his commentary: "'Civil rights,' as the term is used today, has nothing to do with the rights of individuals apart from the role played by some members of designated classes as a pretext for federal violations of the property rights of others not granted such protected status. Melissa Harris-Lacewell, an associate professor at Princeton and self-appointed watchdog of the 'radical right,' makes that point with the eager earnestness of someone who assumes that her political opponents aren't listening. According to Harris-Lacewell, the 1960s civil rights movement was valuable because it was a tool to expand and consolidate federal power. Because of southern resistance to Washington's demands, the 'legitimacy of the central state was challenged,' she writes in The Nation. '[This] is why the Civil Rights Movement was so powerful. The overt abuse of state power evidenced by the violence of Southern police called into question their foundational legitimacy. The federal government had to act or risk losing its authority as a state altogether.' This is to say that the chief accomplishment of the civil rights movement was not the validation of the individual rights of those victimized by government-imposed discrimination, but rather the validation and enhancement of federal power."
Mr. Grigg argues that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a key pillar of polite totalitarianism: "That measure, it should be remembered, was enacted by a government that was in the early stages of its war of aggression against Vietnam -- a conflict in which, as Stokely Carmichael aptly put it, 'white people [drafted] black people to make war on yellow people [supposedly] to defend land stolen from red people.' The government in charge of enforcing that Act today is slaughtering 'people of color' in places like Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and (lest we forget) Detroit, and looking for an excuse to inflict its lethal humanitarianism on Iran and North Korea. And yet, as we see in the contrived controversy over Rand Paul's views of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, it is a grave civic blasphemy even to suggest that the Regime responsible for such murder and mayhem shouldn't have the power to scrutinize and regulate every aspect of private life."
NO: Constructive Feedback: "I Don't Agree With Dr. Walter Williams On Discrimination At Public Accommodations"
The conservative blogger in metro Atlanta, Ga. takes issue with libertarian economics professor Walter E. Williams about Rand Paul's controversial argument that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 went too far in prohibiting private businesses from serving whoever they wish: "I tuned into Dr Williams because I heard that he was a guest host on the 'Rush Limbaugh Show' on Tuesday. He keyed in on the comments of Kentucky senatorial candidate Rand Paul regarding the ability of private entities to practice discrimination. Dr. Williams took the standard libertarian view with the dispassionate analysis of an economist in making his point. He told of his belief that the owner of private property should be allowed to do with it as he pleased without government sanction. He further made the point that we should not compromise our beliefs and core principles in support of certain ideas that might not be popular but instead we should remain true."
He continues his commentary: "Dr. Williams, a Black man, believes that a privately owned public accommodation should be able to service lunch to a long line of White people. Yet when he, a Black man, reaches the counter to place his order the owner of this privately owned business, the owner refuses him service for no other reason than his race. Despite his anger over this individual slight Dr Williams has to logically thank the private owner for being a patriot, expressing his right to make use of his private property as he sees fit. In this instance Dr. Williams' commitment to ideological purity does not mesh well with the real world history of this country. That economically clear choice that he registered on the radio fails to mention that some thug who has nothing to do with the business would likely come up and enforce the racial prohibition - using violence if necessary. I understand Dr Williams' 'slippery slope' theory. I just believe that we are intelligent human beings who can make value choices as to what is important to us as a society. We as a society should enforce openness in our public accommodations. No attribute that is irrelevant to the service requested should be used as a discriminator. Of course a person who is dishevelled and smelly should not be allowed into a sit-down restaurant. We as a society cannot allow arbitrary points of discrimination to stand. In this case Dr Williams is little different than the theorist who is being consumed by the great white shark."
To comment on "Liberty In America" post, click here.
Ghana's Center-Right: "Free Speech, Controlled Presidential Power Are Under Assault"
A New Patriotic Party social commentator was arrested yesterday during a radio program in Kumasi after describing center-left President John Mills as a "chimpanzee" during a studio discussion. Alexander Adu Gyamfi, aka High Priest, was arrested by police few minutes after making the statement on Fox FM’s breakfast show. The show's host, Blessed Smart, told Citi News that some angry youth of the ruling center-left National Democratic Congress besieged the radio station's premises after the comments to possibly attack the NPP activist. He said intervention by security personnel prevented an attack. The NPP argues that the arrest was made under the orders of the NDC, which the NDC denies.
Various Ghanaian legal scholars contend that the arrest and incarceration of Mr. Adu Gyamfi is illegal, arguing that it is not a criminal offense in any Ghanaian statute to insult the president. Meanwhile, others state that President Mills' directive to the police to not charge Mr. Adu Gyamfi oversteps his constitutional authority:
Center-Right Activist Under Arrest: "I Owe President Mills No Apology For Calling Him A 'Chimpanzee'.... OK, Maybe I Do If You Guarantee My Safety"
Alexander Adu Gyamfi, popularly known as “the High Priest, says he has no regrets for making the disparaging comment about President John Atta Mills (pictured). Mr. Adu Gyamfi told Kwame Nkrumah, host of Hello FM breakfast show, yesterday that he would not render any apology to anyone, because, according to him, he had done nothing wrong by referring to the center-left president as chimpanzee. “Kwame, I will not apologize to anybody; never! I did not do anything wrong. I felt my action was justifiable, because the NDC man insulted [2008 center-right presidential candidate] Nana Akufo Addo, and I also retaliated.” He contended that he did not understand why no one had condemned the behavior of his opponent, who also used offensive words against Mr. Nana Addo.
However, later on in the day Mr. Adu Gyamfi has changed his mind, saying his comments were misunderstood. “There was an NDC member on the program and during my submission he even made several unpalatable remarks about Nana Addo...and described him as a frog, a mammoth male, an ugly person…and said because he is ugly he cant be a President…and I interjected and said that President Mills’ photo during the 2004 electioneering campaign looked like a chimpanzee”. He added, “So it was just an inference that I was making from the statement that he had earlier on made”.
Mr. Adu Gyamfi said his life is threatened and can only apologize to President Mills when things get calm. “The NDC’s have threatened that they will kill me…my life is in danger now, I can’t even move out of my house…I will apologize to the President when all this is over.’
New Patriotic Party: "Police Must Be Fair And Arrest Lawless Liberal Mob That Tried To Attack Our Party Member Who Was Exercising His Free Speech Rights"
The communications head for the center-right New Patriotic Party has described as lawlessness, the police’s arrest of a social commentator alleged to have made disparaging remarks about President John Mills. According to Kweku Kwarteng, the police must desist from interfering in matters that are civil and which civil remedies can be taken by those whose reputations may have been injured by the supposed disparaging comments. “There are remedies under our law. If you feel your reputation or personality has been injured you have the liberty to use a civil action to seek redress. This police getting into issues that have to do with people’s reputation is complete lawlessness,” he charged. "The police should stop getting into issues that are civil matters,” he added.
Mr. Kwarteng also said the police should rather be arresting the mob who gathered at the precincts of Fox FM radio station, explaining when mobs are encouraged to take the law into their own hands then an individual's right to free speech will be curtailed.
Danquah Institute Head: "President Mills' Directive To The Police Not To Prosecute "Chimpanzee" Taunter Oversteps His Constitutional Authority"
The executive director of the libertarian-conservative policy think-tank, the Danquah Institute, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, says President Mills' directive to the police not to prosecute Alexander Adu Gyamfi, the social commentator who described him as a "chimpanzee", is a breach of Ghanaian law. Mr. Otchere-Darko, argued strongly that the center-left president does not have the legal right to grant the self-acclaimed social commentator freedom from prosecution, since he (President Mills) didn't personally bring charges of character assassination against Mr. Adu Gyamfi. According to him, per the president's edict, one can safely declare that the police administration is unduly being influenced by the executive branch.
Mr. Otchere-Darko, who is also a legal practitioner, says President Mills shouldn't have issued such orders as it does not bode well for good governance and healthy politics in the country. “It shouldn’t be encouraged, it is not healthy for our politics...That is not the work of the President...the police arrested the young man primarily because of a breach of public peace...and the president, who is not the complainant in this case cannot intervene in as much as the unsavoury statement was about him," he argued. Mr. Octchere-Darko added that if even the President were to be a complainant in this case the police could still have continued with prosecution since the arrest was based on breach of public peace which is against the state. “The Attorney General should have done that, as the chief prosecutor of the state...The Executive is different from the prosecution,” he told Peace FM radio station.
Comment on "Free Speech, Controlled Presidential Power Are Under Assault" here.
Rama Yade: "Too Many Blacks In French Sports? Perhaps Alain Finkielkraut Had 'A Point'"
The French Secretary of State for Sport and moderate-conservative is uncomfortable with the high numbers of blacks and Arabs in French sport, arguing that it demonstrates lack of opportunity in France: (commentary in French): "This week I participated in 'Diversity In Action,' a magnificent operation organized each year in Lyon with my friends Ali and Faisal Kismoune Douhane to promote diversity in French society. Around the debate 'Sport and Diversity"' which brought together Pascal Boniface, Olivia Cattan and Jean-Michel Aulas, everyone, including me, was extolling the virtue of inclusive sports. It is true that Marcel Cerdan (French Algerian origin) and Michel Platini (of Italian origin) Yannick Noah (from Cameroon), Mehdi Baala (of North African origin), and the black-white-Arab team players of the 1998 French soccer team, are all children of immigrants who passed through sport and show our young people today who identify themselves, they can escape through sport."
She continues her commentary: "At a point in the debate, I felt a slight discomfort. This relentless promotion of sport as a means of social success struck me as suspicious. Is it not somewhere a symptom of a failed society? As if sport is asked to manage those it no longer wants or has failed to integrate at school or the workforce. As if other than sports, these young immigrant could not do anything else. The legs yes, but not the head. They run so fast....But our young people from immigrant backgrounds would to become a Zidane or Noah, given a high chance of failure because not everyone has the capacity to become a world champion or to win Roland Garros! In short, these young people, could they not also entitled to medical professions, journalists or lawyers? However, it is as if these trades are considered inaccessible, we choose to ghettoize youth of immigrant origin. Without solving the problems of access to the labor market because one cannot remain a top sportsman all his life, who must think of a time or another in his retraining. The labor market always eventually catches up with you, with its problems of discrimination that thought away, turning to the sport."
Secretary Yade brings up Alain Finkielkraut, a conservative French essayist who in 2005 commented that the French soccer team was "black, black, black" (as opposed to black, white, Arab: "Result: young aspiring athletes have never been numerous. Moreover, there is no problem of diversity on the field and in stadiums (in leadership, however, it's tragic!). Quite the reverse. The France soccer team, they say, has eventually become....black, black, black! Damn, is it possible that Alain Finkielkraut has been misunderstood?"
To comment on "Too Many Blacks In French Sports?" post, click here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
