There’s no excuse for taking an innocent life especially in the manner that has been attributed to Joseph Andrew Stack, the Austin pilot who rammed his plane into a seven story building in North Austin near where the IRS office was housed. By now we've all heard the reports about him setting his house on fire. We heard about the rantings he left in what appears to be a suicide note of sorts that was posted on his now disabled website.
The NY Times recently wrote a compelling article on the growing fundraising influence and corporatization of the Congressional Black Caucus. The article is eye opening on a number of levels... First, it outlines some of the ways money exchanges hands in Washington which is something we should always be informed about.
This article outlines all the ways that Washington is disfunctional in terms of how policies and laws are literally brought and paid for, and with the recent Supreme Court ruling allowing corporations to spend unlimited amounts of money and resources in elections this is likely to get worse…
The fact that the Congressional Black Caucus has always described itself as the conscience of the Congress, makes this story even more troubling…
Today is the beginning of early voting! Click here to find a polling location near you.We sat down with Austin lawyer/activist and Southern Shift partner Ann del Llano and spoke to her about last month’s Supreme Court decision to allow corporations unlimited contributions in elections. She started off by noting that the American public is the big loser in this case. She said the average citizen just lost a seat at the table in our Democracy because corporations will immediately have a louder voice and better access to lawmakers.
The National Forum for Black Public Administrators Central Texas Chapter (NFBPA-CTC) will be hosting a community forum entitled “The Reality of Our Existence: An Open Dialogue about Critical Issues Impacting Our Community” at 6 p.m. Thursday, February 18, 2010, in Huston-Tillotson University’s King-Seabrook Chapel.
A panel of community leaders will discuss immediate, short-term and long-term issues and needs of the Austin community.
“It is imperative that we take this opportunity to consider the issues of particular interest to our community and to establish a plan of action,” Chapter President Deborah Britton said. “We hope that you will join other key community leaders as we address issues including healthcare and well-being, education, criminal justice/police accountability, voting, economic prosperity, digital divide, the census and affordable neighborhoods.”
Dr. Gregory Vincent, Vice President, University of Texas, will moderate. Panel members include:
Art Acevedo, Police Chief, City of Austin
Sam Biscoe, County Judge, Travis County
Dr. Meria Carstarphen, Superintendent, Austin Independent School District
Aston Cumberbatch, Vice President, Seton Family of Hospitals
Dawnna Dukes, Texas State Representative, State of Texas
Dr. Larry Earvin, President, Huston-Tillotson University
Greg Hamilton, Sheriff, Travis County
Marc A. Ott, City Manager, City of Austin
NFBPA is the nation’s premier association of African American public sector leadership. Founded in 1983, NFBPA boasts a membership of more than 3,000 public administrators representing more than 350 local jurisdictions and a national network of 40 chapters.
For more information about this event, contact Anoa Monsho, Public Relations Chair, Central Texas Chapter of NFBPA, at 512-626-8404 or Anthony J. Snipes, Board Member, Central Texas Chapter of NFBPA, at 512-974-2410.
Like many throughout the state, last night I tuned in to watch the Democratic debate between business owner Farouk Shami and former Houston Mayor Bill White. White is the favorite among the Dems and for a state that is politically and culturally changing in many areas, he symbolizes that potential. However, while I’d take White over Mr Good Hair Perry and Cheerleader Kay Bailey, I feel he came across way too cautious and I know I’m definitely not alone in my feelings.
I would like to suggest that the articles in last week's Dallas Morning News regarding the resignation of State Rep. (D) Terri Hodge be distributed to your audience. I am personally fed up with the corruption WITHIN the Democratic Party -- many of the people in and around the electoral process see it as nothing more than a money-making opportunity for sale to the highest bidder.
There’s so much one can say and write about last month’s Supreme Court ruling that allows corporations to weigh in and spend unlimited amounts on campaign contributions. One thing is certain - it’s about to get nasty and ugly. The bottom line is, no matter how many ways people try to justify this ruling under the umbrella of ‘free speech’, it’s only a matter of time before the realization hits that it’s not exactly Free Speech when only the rich and powerful have access and can afford to voice their opinions on traditional powerful mediums.
