Jena 6 Bell Released
It's time for contemplation and a nation of one law.." said Rev. Al Sharpton upon the release of Mychal Bell of the Jena 6 in Jena, Louisiana. The court action sparked an outcry across the nation culiminating in a massive march in the city, 9.20.07 Many have cited the civil unrest as a means to re-energize the civil rights movement emcompassing a broad base of participants. Locally, there were prayer vigils with participants going to Jena for the march. Our prayers go out to the entire Jena 6 family. It's our belief that justice will prevail.
National Stonewall Democrats Name leader and Reactions
Today, the National Stonewall Democrats Board of Directors named Jon Hoadley(pictured) as the organization’s new Executive Director. Hoadley officially accepted the offer t
his morning. He will begin his tenure on October 1.Jon Hoadley comes to National Stonewall Democrats from Gill Action, an issue advocacy organization working to secure equal rights regardless of sexual orientation or gender expression. At Gill Action Jon focused on legislative and political programs at the state and local level.
"Jon Hoadley's established credibility and results-driven passion are a motivating and complementary fit for the work of the members of National Stonewall Democrats," said National Stonewall Democrats Board Co-Chair Laurie McBride. "Our search process returned highly qualified candidates and among them Jon’s talent, passion and experience uniquely qualified him to lead our organization as we continue our growth. We are extremely enthusiastic about this choice."
"At the intersection of LGBT and Democratic politics, National Stonewall Democrats is an organization exceptionally positioned to change the political landscape and fight for equality," said Hoadley. "As we return to our focus of grassroots growth and results, our members have already begun to move our party into greater inclusion, accountability, progressive policies and winning strategies. That is why I am excited to deepen my personal partnership with Stonewall Democrats."
Before joining Gill Action, Jon Hoadley served as Executive Director of South Dakotans Against Discrimination (SDAD). Hoadley built a broad network of advocates who implemented one of the most accomplished ballot campaigns on LGBT issues in American history. Working with both Democrats and Republicans, Hoadley created a statewide infrastructure that stunned the nation by winning 48.18% of the vote on a marriage initiative in one of the most conservative states in the country. Following the 2006 election, Hoadley helped South Dakotans turn the infrastructure they built during the ballot campaign into a lasting statewide LGBT organization - Equality South Dakota.
"Jon Hoadley intuitively understands how our membership uses momentum on the local level to create change on the national stage," added National Stonewall Democrats Board Co-Chair Stephen Driscoll. "He has worked within our movement on the ground and he is ready to utilize his abilities to strengthen the impact of our chapters and members throughout the country."
Ope
n Mouth, Enter Foot: What will talking head Bill O'Reilly say next? You never know. His mis-speak, out of context message, media slaying or whatever he's calling it now has me wondering many things. He stated in his radio show that he was pleasantly surprised at how patrons of famed NYC restaurant Sylvia's were behaving when he and the Rev. Al (Sharpton) had a bit to eat there recently. Here's his restaurant review:"I had a great time, and all the people up there are tremendously respectful.
I couldn’t get over the fact that there was no difference between Sylvia’s restaurant and any other restaurant in New York City. I mean, it was exactly the same, even though it’s run by blacks, primarily black patronship.
There wasn’t one person in Sylvia’s who was screaming, “M-Fer, I want more iced tea.” You know, I mean, everybody was — it was like going into an Italian restaurant in an all-white suburb in the sense of people were sitting there, and they were ordering and having fun. And there wasn’t any kind of craziness at all."
He observed that no one was using "MF this or MF that" or needing m
ore "Ice tea," sweet ice tea of course, is just amazing from this author and daily communicator. Also, the fact that they were ordering food and having fun, as he muses is just jaw dropping. But obviously vintage O'Reilly rhetoric. His catalouge of mis-statements are mind warping from his "black folks are starting to think for themselves," to his notice that Blacks dressed well for his night out at a recent Anita Baker concert. Was this Mr. O's first outing to a black owned eatery where the clientele is civilized by using knifes, forks and napkins. Is he for real? However, it's been his spin on the matter that has me really pondering his objective or motovation for these quasi bombastic observations. Mr. O, this seems like a case of "Open Mouth and Enter Foot." Stop tryin to explain it, enough already. I've never met Bill O. and I'm not sure if I want too. But I've found lots of hate for him all over the net including this T-shirt from Sweet, Jesus I Hate Bill O'Reilly International. I'm not endorsing it, but draw your own conclusions, if you dare.GOP Fallout: Well they did again...a No-show from those top tier GOP candidates who decided that they had better things to do than participate in a forum on people of color issues. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, said that he was embarassed, Sen. Brownback, apologized for this snubbery and everyone tried to save face with those Black Republicans who were most likely miffed at the whole situation.
Except Alan Keyes, who said that there absence shouldn't be considered as a negative message to the Black community. I'm not so sure about that Mr. Keyes
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noncompliant, 13 (43.3%) are headquartered in Texas. “When it comes to equality, Texas is a lone and tarnished star,” Lazin stated.
Of course I don't really know what went on in that bathroom nor do most. With that said, I am clearly aware of compromising positions of this nature since I've been privy to the flash of badge in my face and the processes thereafter. Knowing the consequences of "if you play...you may have to pay...dearly," I subsequently changed my behavior and attitude about "thrill" cruising or any situation that would allow cause for entraptment. There have been many cases in Arkansas where the dilemma of entrapment snared individuals. Most notably the Lemons vs. Arkansas case which was an illfated test case to overturn the states then Sodomy Statue, the Mc Cain Mall Men's room debacle included a defendant committing suicide, parks in Conway, North Little Rock and Little Rock have all been under surveillance and I'm sure all those arrested either gay or curious "wanted the whole thing to just go away." The "He said" and the "police officer said" banter aside, personal responsibility is a pivitol point that can't be ignored whether it be myself or a U.S. Senator. I also found it quite nonsensical that my comment was offensive to the reader suggesting that Mr. Craig should've sought counsel with his ordeal. Let's face it, the justice system is rife with law miscarriages and those who don't get adequate representation. Again, I've seen this first hand as my own brother was poorly represented by a public defender who couldn't defend an empty paper bag. Our family moved to find a better lawyer. Obviously Mr. Craig a man of financial means has had no problem making that decision now, while retaining uber high profile Washington lawyer, Billy Martin, fresh from the Michael Vick fiasco. He says he wants his good name, reputation and that misguided "guilty plea" corrected. I have no doubt that a few well placed Benjamins will make a difference. And so it goes, too many angles, too many other questions to ponder and all the unknown, are factors into our ongoing "peek-a-boo, I see you" culture and obession with human foolishness. Until next time...enough said.