Sexual Harassment Victims Awarded Nearly $200,000

NYS Division of Human Rights Rules in Favor of Female Employees

The New York State Division of Human Rights recently issued two orders in favor of female employees subjected to egregious sexual harassment in the workplace. The victims were awarded a combined total of almost $200,000 in damages.

The decisions also require both employers to pay civil fines and penalties and implement formal anti-discrimination policies and reporting mechanisms for employees who believe they are being discriminated against. 

“Every person is legally entitled to a work environment free of harassment and discrimination,” said New York State Deputy Secretary for Civil Rights Alphonso David.  

“Sexual harassment will not be tolerated in our State and the Administration will use its powers to prosecute those who violate the law.”  

One case involves a young woman employed as a waitress at Team Taco Mexico in Jackson Heights, Queens.

The Division found her boss, restaurant owner David Orduna, began a pattern of sexual harassment which included touching his victim inappropriately, appearing at her home uninvited and offering to pay her rent in exchange for a sexual relationship.

When the young woman repeatedly refused Orduna’s advances, the abuse turned to insults in the presence of customers and a weekly salary that was $250 less than that of other waitresses.

As a result of the abuse the victim was forced to resign from her position and suffered depression and anxiety. 

In its decision, the Division awarded the woman $50,000 in compensatory damages; $13,000 as back wages for the period in which she was paid less than other waitresses; $10,668.68 as back wages for the period in which she was unemployed, and $23,700.06 as back wages for the period she was employed but unable to find a job with a comparable salary.

In addition Orduna is ordered to pay $75,000 as a civil fine and penalty for violating New York State’s Human Rights Law.

In the second case the Division found a woman employed by K & K Management Services, a cleaning and contracting company in Flushing, Queens, was subject to inappropriate behavior soon after being hired.

Owner Kwang Wun Kim’s harassment of the victim escalated to include fondling and assault. Kim also attempted to persuade the victim to sleep with clients to generate business. Even after the young woman resigned from her position Kim continued the harassment by telephone. 

The victim was awarded $75,000 in compensatory damages and $27,500 in back wages. Kim is also been ordered to pay $25,000 in civil fines and penalties.  

Sexual harassment is prohibited as a form of sex discrimination under the New York State Human Rights Law. Last year the Division received 517 sexual harassment complaints.  

These and other full decisions are available on the Division’s website at www.dhr.ny.gov.

Image courtesy of http://www.clker.com.

The Power of the Pen: New Bills Signed Into Law

Statement by the Press Secretary on H.R. 33, H.R. 2297, and S. 3187

On Monday, July 9, 2012, the President signed into law:

H.R. 33, the "Church Plan Investment Clarification Act," which amends the Securities Act of 1933 to provide specifically for an exemption from SEC requirements in connection with church pension plans participating in collective trust funds;

H.R. 2297, which makes technical amendments to the District of Columbia Code to facilitate development of the Southwest Waterfront in the District of Columbia; and

S. 3187, the "Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act," which reauthorizes a number of FDA user fee programs, including the Prescription Drug User Fee Act and Medical Device User Fee and Modernization Act, and increases FDA's ability to provide timely and expedited review and approval of applications for prescription drugs and medical devices; authorizes new user fee programs for generic drugs and biosimilar biological products; extends and modifies FDA authorities related to drugs intended for use by children; and improves the drug approval process and helps to reduce drug shortages.

Straight, No Chaser!

Mark Thomas is a former New York City resident now living in North Carolina.

Hardcore Commentary on Professional Sports....from a Die-Hard Fan

According to numerous email comments, many followers of From The G-Man have come to regard it as "the people's news and information source" because it invites and showcases the analysis and viewpoints of noted authorities from various fields and members of the general public. 

In addition, this site believes that everyone, regardless of political affiliation, race, religion, or the level of education, should be allowed to take part in national debates that are now restricted to "insiders" affiliated with news agencies like the New York Times, Newsweek, ABC, FOX News and even ESPN. As long as people have a clear understanding of the subjects they wish to address, From The G-Man will offer them an opportunity to speak.

In its continuing effort to push the news and information envelope and challenge the insiders, particularly those at major sports networks, From The G-Man  proudly presents "Straight, No Chaser!", a brand new commentary series that examines professional sports, its players, and the teams we have come to love... or hate. 

Strap yourselves into your seats, and prepare to be taken on one hell of ride. 

Straight, No Chaser!
By Mark Thomas

"The Fix", Poor Product, and Growing Dissent for the NBA

What’s up, folks? Allow me to introduce myself. I’m a die-hard KNICKS fan who played recreational sports. This article is written from the point of view of an “Ordinary Joe”, so I don’t want to give anyone the impression that I’m a former pro athlete or professional sportswriter. This article is littered with my opinion, based on facts. With that being said, welcome to the first installment of “Straight, No Chaser!”

I’d like to address the nonsensical debate regarding the NBA lottery and the fact that the Charlotte Bobcats did not receive the number one -- overall -- pick. As a New Yorker who recently relocated to Charlotte, I have heard all of the rhetoric, first-hand.  The talk surrounding “the fix” is particularly ridiculous to me.  Let’s first examine the genesis of why people give credence to the notion of “the fix”. 

It all began when Commissioner David Stern vetoed a trade of Chris Paul to the Lakers. Let’s look at the trade. More importantly, let’s look at what and who the Hornets would’ve gained in the trade. Here are the players that would go to the Hornets: Lamar Odom (forward from the Los Angeles Lakers), Kevin Martin (shooting guard from Houston Rockets), Luis Scola (power forward from the Houston Rockets), and Goran Dragic (point guard from the Houston Rockets). 

NBA Commissioner David Stern

Now, let’s look at them individually. Lamar Odom, a 32-year-old sixth man who had two years and $17.1 million left on his contract ($8.9 million in 2011 and $8.2 million in 2012).  If the Hornets were looking to clear some cap space that would be a nice addition because Odom’s expiring contract would have been appealing, but it’s going to be a struggle to get a quality, big-name, free agent to come to a rebuilding franchise.

Kevin Martin is probably my least favorite piece of this trade proposal. Martin has been in the league for eight years and has never played a full season. That’s right, but, to be fair, he did play 80 games twice. In four out of the eight seasons he has played in the NBA, he played 51 games or less. During the other two seasons, he played 72 and 61 games respectively. He’s a point guard that has never averaged three assist in a season.  I don’t think y’all heard me.  He’s a point guard that has never averaged three assists for one season in his eight seasons as an NBA starter. At the time of the trade, Martin was in the fourth year of a five year, $55 million contract, and was still owed $23.9 million. If you thought Martin was going to be an asset to the Hornets, I have few pet rocks I can let you have for only $100 each! 

Luis Scola, is a 32-year-old “power forward” that has been playing professional basketball for 16 years. Scola just resigned with the Rockets and was in the second year of a five year, $47 million contract. They offered that type of contract to a 32-year-old with knee problems that forced him to miss 16 games in 2011 and has been playing professionally since he was 16-years-old? Really? C’mon!

Goran Dragic is actually the only piece I really liked in this trade. He was a young player -- 25-year-old at the time of the proposed trade -- even with nine years of pro-basketball experience. He was slated to become an unrestricted free agent soon after the trade, but would have been a really nice asset to a rebuilding team. 

You cannot trade away your franchise player for two bums, a sixth man, and a player with potential, not to mention draft picks that would end up being really late round picks coming from playoff teams. The Hornets got two really young talents in Gordon and Aminu and a veteran double/double in Kaman.  They also received an UNPROTECTED first round pick from Minnesota.  I know all of you are saying, “Look at Eric Gordon!! He doesn’t even want to play for the Hornets.”  That’s fine, because that UNPROTECTED first round pick they received in the trade ended up being a lottery pick, and they got Austin Rivers.  With the original trade, the draft picks they would have received wouldn’t have been anywhere near the lottery. 

Okay, so let’s bring this circle to a close.  Stern vetoes the initial trade that would not have been in the best interest of the Hornets, or the NBA, since at that time the Hornets were owned by the NBA.  Then, the Hornets receive the first overall pick in the draft. Ooooooh, it’s the “magic bullet” all over again. In May, the Bobcats had a 25 percent chance of securing the number one pick, which means………say it with me……they had a 75 percent chance of NOT securing the number one pick!  That’s why it’s called a lottery.  It’s not guaranteed.  No team should be rewarded for tanking the season!  I’m in no way insinuating that the players tanked the season.  I am, however, saying that management tanked the season! 

The Bobcats made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, and the very next season trade the two players -- Gerald Wallace and Stephen Jackson -- directly responsible for their playoff bid, and get NOTHING for them!  They got three expiring contracts and cash for Wallace, and for Stephen Jackson they got Corey Maggette, and a project in Bismack Biyombo.  The Bobcats put a D-League team on the floor with the expressed purpose of securing the number one pick in the 2012 draft. When it didn’t happen, everyone started to scream conspiracy!  No, that’s justice!  It’s nonsense like what the Bobcats did that adversely affects the NBA product.  The Bobcats won seven games all season, becoming the worst team (winning percentage wise) in NBA history. Can you image being a fan of this team? 

So, let’s recap. The word “lottery”, in and of itself, exudes an inherent uncertainty!  Are you mad when you buy 10 quick picks from your corner store and don’t win?  No! Would you be mad if I told you that you had a 75 percent chance of not winning when you bought the ticket?  NO!  So, knock it off!  The Bobcats got what they deserved!  The NBA lottery system is not the best, by any stretch of the imagination, but in this instance it worked. It didn’t reward a team management group that placed a horrible product on the court. In essence, the Bobcats are an example of why there is an increasing dislike for the NBA. More and more fans, particularly in Charlotte, are beginning to point their finger and say, “The Charlotte Bobcats are the reason why I can’t stand pro-basketball!  Those players make millions for seven wins!” 

The Bobcats’ front office should be ashamed of itself, as should anyone who thinks the NBA fixed the lottery.  The legal ramification for fixing a draft lottery far outweighs the potential benefit. To even give that notion an ounce of credibility is as ridiculous as asking….have you stop beating your wife yet?

David Stern photo source: 
http://flickr.com/photos/codyraymulcahy/1366838042/ 
Author: Cody Mulcahy
Permission: GNU Free Documentation License

In Search of Party Unity, Dems Talking Tax Cuts Tuesday

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By Zach Toombs
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Video courtesy of Newsy.com

Spanish Banks to Get $37 Billion Bailout

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By Ferdous Al-Faruque
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Video courtesy of Newsy.com

Romney's Hamptons Fundraising Draws Criticism

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By Mary McGuire
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Feds Unseal Indictments in Brian Terry's Murder

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By Matthew Picht
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Gov. Perry: Texas Rejecting Medicaid Expansion

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By Stacey Welsh
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Annan Hails 'Constructive' Talks with Assad

International envoy Kofi Annan has said he agreed with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on an "approach" to end Syria's conflict that would be put to the rebels. Annan said talks with Assad in the Damascus on Monday were "constructive and candid", echoing Syrian foreign ministry spokesman Jihad Makdissi who described the meeting as "constructive and good". Rosiland Jordan reports.

Russia Admits Failure to Issue Flood Warning

Russia's emergency ministry has admitted it failed to warn people about flash floods that left 171 people dead. Heavy rain in the Black Sea region of Krasnodar led to high waters that swamped people's homes. The local goverment has promised compensation for victims' families. Jonah Hull reports from Krymsk in southern Russia.

Ratko Mladic Trial Continues at ICC

A young survivor of the Bosnian war has been giving harrowing evidence at the trial of the former Bosnian Serb army chief Ratko Mladic. Mladic faces facing 11 charges of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity for his role in the conflict of the early 1990s. Al Jazeera's Rory Challands reports.

Pakistanis March Against Reopening of NATO Supply Routes

Thousands of people have been marching to Pakistan's capital city, Islamabad,  for a second day.   They're angry over the re-opening of NATO supply routes to Afghanistan.   Kamal Hyder has the latest.

Daughter of South Korean Dictator Launches Presidential Bid

The daughter of South Korea's longest serving ruler - the dictator Park Chung-hee - has launched her bid for the presidency. Park Geun-hye wants her party's nomination to run in December's election. With no serious challengers from within her New Frontier Party, and poll numbers in the 40s - well ahead of any likely opponent - she seems to be charting a course back to her childhood home. But lawmakers in her own party complain that she doesn't listen to their opinions, and she rarely shows direct communication with voters. And with potential oppostion from independent software magnate Ahn Cheol-soo, who carries strong support among liberals and the young, this presidential election will demand leadership of communication. Al Jazeera's Harry Fawcett reports from Seoul.

DR Congo Rebels Retreat from Strategic Town

Anti government fighters in the Democratic Republic of Congo have seized control of more towns in the east of the country leaving many civilians and UN-backed government soldiers have been forced to retreat into neighbouring Uganda. This has opened the way for a possible advance on Goma, the provincial capital about 70km.

White House Briefs

President Obama Speaks on Extending Tax Cuts for Middle Class Families

Politics in Action: H.R. 6079

STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY

H.R. 6079 – Repealing the Affordable Care Act
(Rep. Cantor, R-VA)

The Administration strongly opposes House passage of H.R. 6079 because it would cost millions of hard-working middle class families the security of affordable health coverage and care they deserve.  It would increase the deficit and detract from the work the Congress needs to do to focus on the economy and create jobs. 

Repealing the Affordable Care Act would mean that marketplaces where Americans could compare private insurance plans and get tax credits to purchase them would not open.  Tax credits for small business owners who cover their employees would be eliminated.  States would lose substantial Federal assistance under Medicaid to provide coverage for the neediest Americans. 

But repealing the health care law would have implications far beyond the estimated 30 million Americans without insurance who would lose the health coverage they were going to receive. 

More than 250 million Americans with insurance – private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid – would lose the benefits and protections they receive under the health care law.  Insurance companies would be able to go back to some of their worst practices.  They would no longer have to cover as dependents the 6.6 million young adults who have been able to sign up on their parents' plans.  They would be able to impose lifetime limits and restrictive annual limits on coverage.  They could go back to denying coverage to children with preexisting conditions.  And, they would likely turn away the nearly 70,000 Americans who had gained insurance through Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plans, which would have to shut down.  Insurance companies would no longer be held accountable for double-digit premium increases.  Strict rules that prevent insurance companies from spending too much on administrative costs or CEO bonuses would be erased.

Reforms that strengthen Medicare's long-term finances would also be repealed.  Seniors would lose the more generous prescription drug coverage provided under the health care law, as well as free preventive care.  And Medicare's Hospital Insurance Trust Fund would become insolvent up to eight years earlier.

Estimates from the Congressional Budget Office indicate that repealing the health care law would add more than $100 billion to the deficit over the next decade, and more than $1 trillion in the following decade.

The last thing the Congress should do is refight old political battles and take a massive step backward by repealing basic protections that provide security for the middle class.  Right now, the Congress needs to work together to focus on the economy and creating jobs.  Congress should act on the President's concrete plans to create an economy built to last by reducing the deficit in a balanced way and investing in education, clean energy, innovation, and infrastructure.

If the President were presented with H.R. 6079, he would veto it.

Halperin and Williams: Tale of a Media Lynching

Politico Fires Joe Williams for Romney Comments, But Time Magazine’s Editor-at-Large Got a Slap on the Wrist for Calling  President Obama a “Dick”

Okay, for the last time, I’m going to try and make sense of this. Back in 2011, Mark Halperin appeared on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” and called President Barack Obama a “dick”. During the broadcast, Halperin explained that his comment was based on the way President Obama acted during a press conference.

To his credit, Halperin issued a public apology. MSNBC took immediate action and suspended Halperin indefinitely, but he returned to the network as a political analyst several weeks later, and Time Magazine never indicated, even in the slightest way, that its editor-at-large was going to be punished or kicked to the curb.

  

Now, we jump to the present. Joe Williams, a reporter working for Politico, took part in a discussion about Mitt Romney with MSNBC’s Martin Bashir. During the exchange, which centered on Romney’s difficulty in gaining Hispanic voter support, Williams stated that Romney feels more “comfortable” around people like him. Williams went on to note that “there are white people that are very much relaxed in their own company.” He did not make any disparaging or derogatory comments toward the Republican presidential candidate. I’ll say it again. He did not make any disparaging or derogatory comments toward the Republican presidential candidate.

Politico quickly responded by giving Williams the boot, claiming his comments were racial in nature. To his credit, like Halperin, Williams indicated that his remarks were inappropriate for a journalist. Nonetheless, Williams continues to serve as the whipping boy for various media outlets, Romney supporters and blood-thirsty conservatives, while Halperin continues to flourish in print and broadcast media. If you clowns want to whip on someone, back off on Williams and come whip on me! Bring it!

If Halperin has an ounce of integrity, as a journalist and a man, he will appear on the very show that temporarily ousted him a year ago and defend Williams by firmly stating that what he said about the President was far worse than what Williams said about a man who hasn’t even been officially anointed by the Republican Party. Romney and his advisers should man up and admit it, too. Doing so could alter politics as we know it and slowly bridge the racial divide in this country.

  

To the publishers and executives at Politico and Time Magazine, I say thank you. Thank you for proving, especially to youth of color in America, which you could probably give less than a damn about, that a white man can refer to the Commander-in-Chief as “sort of a dick” on national television and be forgiven, but a Black man saying Mitt Romney tends to be more comfortable around people like him is completely unacceptable…..and a price will be paid.

The commentary is from the heart and…..from The G-Man.  

New York Law Protects Students from Cyber-Bullying

Cuomo: "We Must Do All We Can to Ensure That Every Child in New York State Feels Safe in the Classroom"

Governor Andrew Cuomo today signed legislation that will help protect students from cyber-bullying as well as other forms of harassment, bullying, and discrimination. 

The new law is designed to strengthen a school's response to harassment and bullying through improved reporting, investigation, intervention, training and prevention.

The new law requires schools to take action when students experience cyber-bullying or other forms of harassment. It ensures that school districts take immediate steps to end harmful behavior, prevent recurrences, and ensure the safety of the targeted students.

The legislation also establishes improved training to help teachers and administrators better prevent and respond to bullying and other harmful acts.

"We must do all we can to ensure that every child in New York State feels safe in the classroom, and this new law will help our schools create an environment that is conducive to educational success," Governor Cuomo said.

"Under this new law, schools will play an important role – working with families, communities and law enforcement – to prevent harassment, bullying and discrimination, and to support a student's right to learn. I commend Majority Leader Skelos, Speaker Silver, the bill sponsors, and the many advocates who worked hard in helping put this comprehensive bill together."

Senate Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos noted, "The law signed today tackles many of the challenges currently facing schools and families seeking to put an end to cyber-bullying. I commend Senators Saland and Ranzenhofer, Governor Cuomo and the Assembly for coming together to enact legislation that addresses this very complex problem, helps protect our students' emotional well-being, and ensures safe learning environments."

"Threats, intimidation, and abuse have no place in our schools. I commend the Governor for signing this bill into law and further empowering school districts to address harmful and hostile acts both on and off school grounds," added Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

Senator Stephen Saland stated, "Students today live in a cyber-world, it’s how most choose to communicate. It’s also how many are cyber-bullied -- whether through messaging, emails or social networking sites, it’s difficult for victims to escape the 24/7 exposure to threats, bullying or discrimination. With this new law, when cyber-bullying impedes a student’s ability to learn, victims and their parents will now have the ability to report the incidents to school districts to investigate. I thank the Governor for his leadership on this issue and Assemblyman O’Donnell for his advocacy. This is a critically needed step toward ensuring a safe school environment."

Cyber-bullying is an especially harmful form of bullying. Through the use of technology, bullies are able to harass their targets at a distance, outside of schools, in front of broad audiences and sometimes under the protection of anonymity.

Research has revealed a link between cyber-bullying and low self‐esteem, family problems, academic problems, school violence, and delinquent behavior, as well as long-term consequences that include increased depression, substance use, aggressive impulses, and school truancy.

Recent well-publicized cases involving cyber-bullying – sometimes combined with other forms of bullying – have led to suicide. If left unattended, bullying can rapidly escalate into even more serious violence and abuse.

In 2009, more than 7 million U.S. students ages 12-18 – representing 28 percent of all students in that age range – were bullied at school and more than 1.5 million students -- 6 percent – were subject to cyberbullying on or off school property.

A 2011 survey of New York high school students revealed that, during the previous year, nearly 18 percent had been bullied on school property and 16 percent had experienced cyber-bullying through e-mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, Web sites, texting or other electronic means.

The new law cracks down on cyber-bullying through the following provisions:

Requires Schools to Act When Cyber-bullying Occurs

The law requires that schools act in cases of cyber-bullying, which may occur on or off campus, when it creates or would create a substantial risk to the school environment, substantially interferes with a student’s educational performance or mental, emotional or physical well-being, or causes a student to fear for his or her physical safety.

Ensures Proper Protocols Are in Place to Deal with Cyber-bullying

The law requires school districts to put in place protocols to deal with cyber-bullying, harassment, bullying and discrimination, including assignment of a school official to receive and investigate reports; prompt reporting and investigation; responsive actions to prevent recurrence of any verified bullying; coordination with law enforcement when appropriate; development of a bullying prevention strategy; and notice to all school community members of the school’s policies.

Sets Training Requirements for School Employees to Help Identify and Prevent Cyber-bullying

The law sets training requirements for current school employees, as well as for new teachers and administrators applying for a certificate or license, on the identification and mitigation of harassment, bullying, cyber-bullying and discrimination.

The new law goes into effect on July 1, 2013.

Image courtesy of http://shereemsatchell.edublogs.org.

'Unspeakable Cruelty': Outrage Grows After Afghan Woman's Execution Caught on Video

WARNING: Viewers may find this video disturbing. A crowd is seen cheering after watching the public execution of a woman accused of adultery.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Top Newsy Headlines: Ernest Borgnine Dead at 95

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Obama to Push Bush Tax Cut Extension for Middle Class

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'Malware Monday' Internet Doomsday Overblown?

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Anchor: Lauren Zima
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No Holds Barred: Democrats Hit Romney on Offshore Accounts

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Egypt Parliament: President Recalls Dissolved Assembly

Egypt's highest court is to decide on Monday if an order from the president, demanding the parliament reconvene, is legal. Mohamed Morsi ordered parliament back to work, overturning the military council's move to dissolve it nearly a month ago. With no parliament, the military still holds all the law-making power. Some critics, however, say the president has overstepped his authority. Al Jazeera's Imran Khan reports.

NATO: Afghan Army Still Ineffective

One of the main challenges facing Afghanistan's army is the withdrawal of foreign forces from the country. NATO commanders are finding it difficult to get the Afghans to create an efficient system to keep the military well supplied. The Afghan Army says it carries out 70% of the operations out of this base on its own now, and when coalition forces eventually pull-out they'll leave behind them just two or three small advisory teams. But what foreign commanders need is a dramatic improvement in logistics if they're to have a chance to hold on to the security gains that have been made here. Al Jazeera's Bernard Smith reports from Nimroz province, Afghanistan.

"Black Flight" in America's Rust Belt

The US cities of Detroit, Cleveland and Buffalo have lost more than a quarter of their population over the last decade. Once home to predominantly black Americans, many are now leaving in search of better opportunities and a different lifestyle. Al Jazeera's John Hendren reports from Detroit.

Scandals Shut Catholic Churches, Schools

Dozens of Catholic churches and schools are being shut down across the US as the church defends itself against accusations of sexual abuse. Parishioners blame financial mismanagement and a series of high-profile sex abuse scandals for the fall from grace. Al Jazeera's Scott Heidler reports from Philadelphia.

South Sudan Anniversary Marred by Ongoing Fighting

One of the youngest countries in the world, South Sudan, will mark its first year of independence from the North on Monday. Almost half a century of bloodshed in South Sudan has has also made it one of the most underdeveloped countries on the world. But, an end to fighting which the split with its neighbour was meant to bring about, has been marred by conflicts between the two sides over territory and crucial oil revenues. Al Jazeera's Nazanine Moshiri reports from Juba in South Sudan.

Rebels Seize More Ground in DRC

Rebel fighters in the Democratic Republic of Congo have seized control of four more towns in the eastern part of the country. Thousands of people have been displaced by the fighting, which has pitted the rebels against UN-backed troops. And as Peter Greste reports from Rutshuru, they want the government to do more to protect them.

Reince Priebus: 'Mr. Freeze'

From The G-Man Treated Rudely and Unfairly During Efforts to Provide Equal Time to the GOP

Hey, folks. While From The G-Man tends to report on prominent Democrats and their policies, including President Obama, I would like to state that repeated and sincere efforts have been made to present Republican viewpoints.

Over a period of several months, I contacted the office of Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus to request an interview and obtain information or statements regarding the economic, political or social issues that are of great concern to the Republican Party.

During two attempts to gain access and information, an RNC representative Googled this news and information site while I was on the phone. There was a strange period of silence before the representative indicated that someone would contact the site as soon as possible.  You can guess how that turned out.

There was also the time when a rep told me “Sir, any information you’re looking for is available on the RNC website. You do know that, right?” Translation, “Are you a dumb-ass?” When I explained that I wanted to pose certain questions to the chairman or his spokesperson, the woman acted as though I was being a first-class pain in the ass. Needless to say, she proved to be as useless as the initial person I spoke to.

Quite frankly, I’m extremely annoyed by the way I was treated and the lack of response of the part of Chairman Preibus, especially since I reached out in good faith and with no agenda other than to offer an independent news venue by which the GOP could present its views. Given that many news outlets and networks in America offer biased coverage, you would think the RNC and Chairman Priebus would appreciate the offer. Sadly, they proved me wrong.

When I really think about it, maybe I shouldn’t be surprised that this happened. I say this in light of the fact that I watched Priebus, aka “Mr. Freeze”, on two editions of NBC’s Meet the Press. In my humble opinion, the man came across as callous and cold when grilled about the policies of President Barack Obama.

Priebus seemed to become even more cantankerous when discussing the Democratic Party and what Priebus described as “a president that has been a disaster”. I seriously doubt that GOP heavyweight Colin Powell would ever take to the airwaves to bash a sitting president the way Priebus has, even if Powell didn’t agree with President Obama’s policies. Priebus could learn a thing or two by watching Powell’s previous Meet the Press appearances.

  

I don’t know why From The G-Man was treated in this fashion, especially when it has received a New York State Senate proclamation and earned the praise and respect of people like Pulitzer Prize-winner Les Payne and Emmy Award-winner Tom Osborne, former United Nations bureau chief for ABC World News Tonight. I’m really hoping the reason for how I was treated wasn’t “a Black thing”. If the GOP is serious about diversity in its ranks, as it so often claims and plans to prove by embracing its rising star Mia Love, I never got that impression from the RNC chairman’s office.

Granted, From The G-Man has a long way to go before generating a massive following like the Drudge Report, Huffington Post or The Grio, but that doesn’t give Priebus or the RNC the right to dismiss the site. Moreover, Priebus and the RNC practically fall to their knees with mouths drooling when major news outlets, Matt Drudge, or “conservative-friendly” news sources come calling. That’s just not right, and it needs to change. A free and independent press demands it!

From The G-Man provides news and information from a variety of sources and asks the hard questions, but it continuously strives to do so in a manner that’s truly “fair and balanced”. It’s sad and unfortunate that Chairman Priebus and the RNC never gave this site a chance to prove it.

This commentary is from the heart and…..from The G-Man.  

Photo source: Own work

Author: Gage Skidmore

Permission:   Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

McCain: U.S. Leadership on Syria "Shameful and Disgraceful"

(CBS News) The top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee said Sunday the United States is not doing enough to help the rebels defeat Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, saying the U.S. should be providing the Syrian rebels with weapons.

'The Libyan People Can Count on the Continued Friendship and Support of the United States

Statement from President Obama on Election in Libya

On behalf of the American people, I extend my congratulations to the people of Libya for another milestone on their extraordinary transition to democracy. After more than 40 years in which Libya was in the grip of a dictator, today’s historic election underscores that the future of Libya is in the hands of the Libyan people. Across Libya yesterday, voters turned out to exercise their hard-earned freedoms, most participating in an election for the first time in their lives. They cast ballots for representatives of a National Congress that will lead the next stage of Libya’s transition.

The United States is proud of the role that we played in supporting the Libyan revolution and protecting the Libyan people, and we look forward to working closely with the new Libya – including the elected Congress and Libya’s new leaders. We will engage as partners as the Libyan people work to build open and transparent institutions, establish security and the rule of law, advance opportunity, and promote unity and national reconciliation. There are still difficult challenges ahead and voting needs to be completed in some areas. As they begin this new chapter, the Libyan people can count on the continued friendship and support of the United States.

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FSA Holding Ground Against Assad's Forces

The bombardment often goes on for hours on end. Tank rounds, missiles from helicopter gunships, rockets and mortars, as well as small arms fire. The border town of Al Qusayr has been shelled repeatedly for over a month now. The Free Syrian Army (FSA) in this town are hopelessly out-gunned. They have just small arms, RPGs and a handful of mortars. Yet they are making progress. An assault was staged on the main headquarters of the Assad forces, a town hall. After taking control of the building, they then demolished it so it could not be retaken. Al Jazeera's James Bays reports from Al Qusayr, southern Syria.

Donor Nations Pledge $16 Billion to Afghanistan

Tokyo summit agrees to four-year aid plan aimed at stabilising nation, as roadside bombs kill 23 in Kandahar province. Al Jazeera's Bernard Smith reports from Kabul.

China Accidents: Mine Safety Under the Spotlight

Health and safety is in the spotlight in China's southern Hunan province. Three separate incidents there - two in a mine and one in a railway tunnel - have led to several deaths and large scale rescue operations. Al Jazeera's Bhanu Bhatnagar reports

African Migrants Tortured in Sinai

Egyptian border control officers have arrested 68 African migrants trying to cross into Israel. But many other migrants travelling through the Sinai region are picked up by Bedouin gangs who are smuggling drugs, weapons and even people into the peninusla. Ake Mehari, a migrant from Eritrea told Al Jazeera: "They drove us to Sinai. They tortured me because I could not pay the money. Then they started beating me. I begged for mercy, but the traffickers wouldn't listen. They just wanted the money." Mehari and the others were dreaming of a better future after escaping compulsary military service in Eritrea. They say they would never have embarked on this journey if they had known how it would end. Al Jazeera's Jacky Rowland has this exclusive report from Northern Sinai.