This video was published on YouTube on December 20, 2017.
Source: The Root
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Dr. Cornel West on Bernie Sanders and Why Donald Trump Is a ‘Gangsta’
This video was published on YouTube on December 20, 2017.
Source: The Root
Roland Martin: The GOP WILL Target Black Voters in 2018
This video was published on YouTube on December 24.
Source: Roland S. Martin
Trailblazers in Black History: Michael Johnson
Michael Johnson became the only man in history to win the 200m and the
400m gold medals at a single Olympics at the Atlanta Games in 1996.
Johnson set Olympic record times in both events (19.32 in the 200m and
43.49 in the 400m) as he took both gold medals.
Click here for video.
Click here for video.
Source: The Olympic Channel
Will President Trump Be Charged with Collusion in 2018? Not a Chance.
From a legal perspective, collusion is not the issue here. Robert Mueller's team could bring other charges, however.
by Jessica Levinson
President Donald Trump is right about one thing —
he may never be charged with “collusion.” Despite its current use as a
sort of catchall term for the Trump administration’s alleged ties to
Russian meddling, “collusion” is only a federal crime in the area of
antitrust law. In this legal context, collusion occurs when two or more
people or entities decide to gain an unfair market advantage and/or
secretly limit open competition.
One of the
quintessential examples of collusion is an agreement to engage in
price-fixing. Or put another way, collusion has nothing to do with the
Trump campaign and the Russian government.
So
if you’ve been talking about whether or not the Trump campaign colluded
with the Russian government in the 2016 presidential election, you’ve
been saying it wrong. But you’re also in good company. The vast majority
of the public and the press routinely, and erroneously, use the word
collusion to refer to a host of potential federal crimes. This does not
mean the investigation is fake news, but it does mean we have been using
the wrong term to describe it.
Click here for the full article.
Source: NBC News
Under Tense Political Climate, Kwanzaa Holds Special Meaning
by Sherri Williams
WASHINGTON
— Kwanzaa, an African-American and Pan-African holiday that honors
family, community, and culture, is a time of celebration. But this year,
the holiday holds a different meaning and will be a time for some to
reaffirm their heritage amid racial strife.
Imani
Patterson, 30, grew up celebrating Kwanzaa with her family but in
college she didn’t observe it much on her own. However, last year after
the birth of her daughter and the election of President Donald Trump,
she thought it was important to reconnect with the holiday that
celebrates black culture.
“After he (Donald
Trump) was elected it was disheartening. I cried real tears and I held
my daughter close because I felt that we reverted back to the old
(ways),” said Patterson of Frederick, Maryland.
“The whole adage ‘Make
America Great Again,’ is white supremacy at its best again. That’s when I
was like you know what, Kwanzaa is important to me because that’s
something that we established as African-Americans. That’s something
that we should celebrate and encompass in our daily lives, not just the
seven days but 365 (days a year).”
Founded in 1966 by Maulana Karenga,
author of "Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture,"
the holiday is observed Dec. 26 - Jan. 1. It has seven principles and
each one is observed during a day in the week: Unity,
self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative
economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
Click here for the full article.
Source: NBC News
NY Scam Alert: Fraudulent Addiction Treatment Referral Services
A
new public awareness campaign has been launched to crack down on
"patient brokering," a practice where brokers collect payments from
addiction treatment providers in exchange for referring patients to
those programs. The campaign warns New Yorkers about the fraudulent
practice and urges that these brokers be reported.
"Vulnerable New Yorkers struggling with addiction are being targeted and falsely promised life-saving treatment services and then are given inadequate and ineffective treatment at outrageous costs," Governor Cuomo said. "With this campaign, we make it clear that this reprehensible practice will not be tolerated in New York and will help ensure that people receive the appropriate assistance they need to reclaim their lives." The campaign was developed through a collaboration between OASAS and the New York Association of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Providers and features posters encouraging people to report patient brokering activities to OASAS. The posters are available for download here and will also be emailed out to treatment providers across the state.
"Vulnerable New Yorkers struggling with addiction are being targeted and falsely promised life-saving treatment services and then are given inadequate and ineffective treatment at outrageous costs," Governor Cuomo said. "With this campaign, we make it clear that this reprehensible practice will not be tolerated in New York and will help ensure that people receive the appropriate assistance they need to reclaim their lives." The campaign was developed through a collaboration between OASAS and the New York Association of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Providers and features posters encouraging people to report patient brokering activities to OASAS. The posters are available for download here and will also be emailed out to treatment providers across the state.
The
campaign was developed through a collaboration between OASAS and the
New York Association of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Providers and
features posters encouraging people to report patient brokering
activities to OASAS. The posters are available for download here and will also be emailed out to treatment providers across the state.
This awareness campaign is one of several initiatives aimed at stopping patient brokering. OASAS recently issued a directive that requires referrals to be delivered by OASAS-certified and -credentialed professionals, who are prohibited from receiving referral fees. New Yorkers can report suspicious activity by calling 1-800-553-5790 or emailing StopTreatmentFraud@oasas.ny.gov.
OASAS Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez said, "Making the decision to seek treatment is a critical first step for many people with substance use disorders and their families. Their bravery needs to be rewarded with the services that can best help them get on the road to recovery."
New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state's toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).
Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, community residence, or outpatient care can be found using the NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard or through the NYS OASAS website. Visit CombatAddiction to learn more about the warning signs of addiction, review information on how to get help, and access resources on how to facilitate conversations with loved ones and communities about addiction. For tools to use in talking to a young person about preventing alcohol or drug use, visit the Talk2Prevent website.
Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
This awareness campaign is one of several initiatives aimed at stopping patient brokering. OASAS recently issued a directive that requires referrals to be delivered by OASAS-certified and -credentialed professionals, who are prohibited from receiving referral fees. New Yorkers can report suspicious activity by calling 1-800-553-5790 or emailing StopTreatmentFraud@oasas.ny.gov.
OASAS Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez said, "Making the decision to seek treatment is a critical first step for many people with substance use disorders and their families. Their bravery needs to be rewarded with the services that can best help them get on the road to recovery."
New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state's toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).
Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, community residence, or outpatient care can be found using the NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard or through the NYS OASAS website. Visit CombatAddiction to learn more about the warning signs of addiction, review information on how to get help, and access resources on how to facilitate conversations with loved ones and communities about addiction. For tools to use in talking to a young person about preventing alcohol or drug use, visit the Talk2Prevent website.
Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
New Yorkers Urged to Prepare for Bitterly Cold Temperatures
Governor Andrew Cuomo today urged New Yorkers to take precautions against dangerously cold weather that will be affecting the entire state until January 2. Southern and western areas in the North Country will be experiencing dangerously cold wind chills through at least Thursday night where wind chill temperatures could reach -15 to -25 below zero with some areas of the southern Adirondacks reaching as low as -40 below zero.
Temperatures in Long Island and New York City are forecast to be 15 to 20 degrees below normal with high temperatures remaining below the upper teens to mid-20s and overnight lows reaching the single digits through Friday, and from Sunday through Tuesday. Winter Weather Advisories are also posted the Finger Lakes Region with Lake Effect Snow Warnings in place for the typical lake effect band areas of Western New York and the North Country.
"Bitterly cold winter temperatures have settled in across the state and New Yorkers need to make sure they are prepared for this dangerously cold weather," said Governor Cuomo. "I encourage New Yorkers to stay informed and safe during this inclement weather - we will continue to monitor conditions and stand ready to assist any communities in need."
Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Temperatures in Long Island and New York City are forecast to be 15 to 20 degrees below normal with high temperatures remaining below the upper teens to mid-20s and overnight lows reaching the single digits through Friday, and from Sunday through Tuesday. Winter Weather Advisories are also posted the Finger Lakes Region with Lake Effect Snow Warnings in place for the typical lake effect band areas of Western New York and the North Country.
"Bitterly cold winter temperatures have settled in across the state and New Yorkers need to make sure they are prepared for this dangerously cold weather," said Governor Cuomo. "I encourage New Yorkers to stay informed and safe during this inclement weather - we will continue to monitor conditions and stand ready to assist any communities in need."
Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
'She's Fighting': Civil Rights Activist Erica Garner in Critical Condition After Suffering Heart Attack
by
This post may be updated.
Erica Garner, the 27-year-old civil rights activist and daughter of Eric Garner, was hospitalized over the weekend and placed in a medically-induced coma after suffering a heart attack on Saturday night. According to Erica's mother, Esaw Snipes-Garner, the cardiac arrest was triggered by an asthma attack.
Since Christmas Eve, one of Erica's co-workers has been live-tweeting updates on her condition and thanking everyone for the outpouring of support that has grown exponentially since Erica's condition was made public.
"Right now, the family is just praying and asking for everyone to keep her in their prayers," Snipes-Garner said in an interview. "She's fighting."
Click here for the full article.
Source: Common Dreams
New York Officials Publicly Push Against Fossil Fuels, While Investing in Them
Since 2015, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has been in a
pitched battle with ExxonMobil: The state's top law enforcement
official is probing whether the company lied to its investors concerning
how climate change could harm the oil business.
It turns out that Schneiderman, in fact, is among those investors.
According to Schneiderman's most recent financial disclosure form,
for 2016, he owned between $50,000 to $75,000 in Vanguard Energy ETF. As
of the end of November, ExxonMobil was the fund's biggest holding,
according to Vanguard's website, followed by others giants such as
Chevron, ConocoPhillips and Halliburton.
Schneiderman – who recently also called for a state
"carbon tax"– is not the only New York lawmaker with personal money in
the oil and gas business, while at times being at odds with it. Several
lawmakers who have signed onto a bill that would force Comptroller Tom
DiNapoli to divest from the 200 oil and gas and coal companies with the
largest reserves, themselves have investments in either those companies,
or companies that are known serious polluters.
Click here for the full article.
Source: timesunion.com (via The Empire Report)
Property Owners Cram Receivers’ Offices to Prepay 2018 Taxes
By Stefanie Dazio and David Olson
Phones ringing off the hook. Residents lined up out the door. Questions shouted at staff members.
Long Island town tax receivers arrived at their
offices early Tuesday morning after a long holiday weekend to find
property owners had beaten them there, hoping to prepay their 2018 taxes
to take advantage of possible deductions this year before the new
federal tax code goes into effect.
“It’s been a nightmare,” Riverhead Town Tax
Receiver Laurie A. Zaneski said, adding that 30 phone messages were
waiting when the office opened Tuesday.
Click here for the full article.
Source: Newsday (via The Empire Report)
Irv Weinstein, Legendary Channel 7 Anchor, Has Died
Irv Weinstein, 87, the legendary WKBW-TV anchor who used alliterative
expressions like “pistol-packing punks” as the king of local television
news in Buffalo for decades, died Tuesday morning in a Irvine, Calif.,
assisted living residence after a battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS.
Weinstein, who retired at age 68 in 1998 after 34 years at the ABC
affiliate, announced in October 2016 that he was battling the
neurodegenerative disease that quickly silenced his voice but not his
spirit.
"We all knew it was coming, but it's still a real shock," said
WKBW-TV (Channel 7) anchor Keith Radford, a co-worker and longtime
friend who replaced Weinstein in the anchor seat and visited him almost a
year ago. "I'm just so glad I went out to see him in California when he
was diagnosed and we could still talk and joke around. He was an
original, never will be another. I was blessed to be close to him."
Radford was one of many local media members who made the pilgrimage
to Irvine to see Weinstein and share memories with him after the
diagnosis.
Click here for the full article.
Source: The Buffalo News (via The Empire Report)
From The G-Man salutes the legacy and life of Mr. Irv Weinstein with the following video. May he forever rest in peace.
Where Can I Actually Spend Bitcoin in New York City?
By
It’s easy to forget, amid skyrocketing values, that the anonymous digital currency bitcoin was created to function as, well, a currency.
Unfortunately for people who’d like to pay for (or sell) their
bacon-egg-and-cheeses in cold, hard bitcoin, the currency faces some
adoption problems. For one thing: Over the last year, bitcoin has
increased in value 15-fold, which means a three-dollar bagel you bought
with bitcoin last December would have become $45 in your bitcoin wallet
if you’d left it alone.
“Nobody
is really selling bitcoin right now while its value is so high,” says
Daniel Sim, the owner of Lean Crust Pizza. Sim started accepting bitcoin
at his Fort Greene pizzeria in 2013, along with a host of cafés and
grocery stores in Brooklyn and Queens owned by his parents. Sim’s
interest in using cryptocurrency as a payment method has turned Fort
Greene into the nascent bitcoin capital of New York, with six
restaurants, groceries, and a nail salon — Lean Crust, Greene Ave.
Market, Fresh Garden, Greene-Ville Garden, Kinjo, and Mirai Wellness Spa
— clustered in the neighborhood.
Sim,
who has been interested in — and invested in — bitcoin since he heard
about it in 2009, said that he got a flurry of interest when he first
instituted bitcoin payments, with about 50 to 100 transactions per week,
but that it tapered off after the initial burst of publicity. (For
reference, over the course of 2013, the price of one bitcoin rose from
around $10 to around $1,000.)
Sim
is optimistic about the cryptocurrency’s future, and said that he still
holds out hope for bitcoin as a mass-consumer payment method. But
beyond a few transactions at his family’s businesses in recent months
— the first in several years — the recent media attention bitcoin has
received hasn’t translated into more bitcoin-funded manicures. After the
initial interest in paying with bitcoin waned a few years ago, the QR
codes originally used for the transactions are nowhere to be found in
the stores Sim and his family operate. Now, when the rare customer
paying with bitcoin comes in, an employee at one of the stores will give
Sim’s number to the customer, and they’ll complete the transaction over
text.
Click here for the full article.
Source: nymag.com (via The Empire Report)
N.Y. Senators Propose $431M Plan to Fund Emergency Subway Fixes
By Glenn Blain
ALBANY — A portion of New York City’s sales tax revenue would be
snatched by the state and used to pay for emergency subway repairs under
a plan being proposed by a key group of state senators, the Daily News
has learned.
The Independent Democratic Conference on Thursday will call for the
state to divert $431.5 million from the city’s annual sales tax revenue
and use it to cover the city’s share of repair costs under the
turnaround plan proposed earlier this year by Metropolitan
Transportation Authority Chairman Joe Lhota.
“It’s money that is needed right now,” said Bronx Sen. Jeff Klein, leader of the IDC.
Mayor de Blasio has so far refused demands from Lhota and Gov. Cuomo,
who controls the agency, to pay for half of the $863 million turnaround
plan, arguing that previous state raids on MTA finances were to blame
for the agency’s lack of repair funds.
Click here for the full article.
Source: The Empire Report
NYCHA Let Children Live in Homes They Knew Were Toxic...
A New York Daily News Exclusive
By Molly Crane-Newman and Greg B. Smith
When the city Housing Authority placed the Herrera family in Apartment
5-A at the Red Hook Houses in 2013, the agency knew the public housing
unit contained toxic lead paint.
NYCHA knew it because the agency had just tested it and found lead in
the Brooklyn apartment. After untrained, uncertified workers performed
lead abatement, they had deemed it “clean.” Per policy, the new tenants
were not informed about the potential hazard in the home.
Five-year-old Melany Herrera was an infant when she arrived at
Apartment 5-A. And by the time she was 2, a blood test revealed a level
of 5.6 micrograms of lead per deciliter.
Six months later, it hit 10 micrograms.
Click here for the full article.
Source: The Empire Report
The NYS Tax Department Offers an Array of Ways to Resolve Tax Debt
The NYS Tax Department offers a variety of programs to help those who owe back taxes resolve their debts and improve their financial outlooks.
“Give yourself the gift of a clean slate this holiday season,” said Acting Commissioner Nonie Manion. “If you have tax debt, ignoring it will only make the problem worse as penalties and interest accrue. Get a fresh start using one of our convenient online options to pay your bill, or contact us so we can work together to resolve your case.”
The Tax Department offers a variety of payment options and free resolution services described below.
Installment payment agreements are available to qualified taxpayers who can’t pay their bill in full. See Request an installment payment agreement for more information.
Quick Pay, launched earlier this year, provides a way for individuals to promptly pay a tax debt or bill online any time. As of early November, taxpayers have paid $29 million using this application.
For details, see Pay a bill or notice.
The Voluntary Disclosure and Compliance Program (VDCP) allows eligible taxpayers to come clean about unfiled tax returns and unpaid taxes to avoid penalties and possible criminal charges. See Voluntary Disclosure and Compliance Program for details.
The VDCP has brought in more than $1 billion since its inception in July 2008, averaging more than $110 million in collections each year. In the fiscal year that ended March 31, 2017, the VDCP exceeded this average by $40.5 million.
The Offer in Compromise Program offers a way for financially distressed individuals or businesses to put overwhelming tax liabilities behind them by paying a reasonable portion of their debts. See Offer in Compromise Program for details.
Remember, too, if you disagree with a Tax Department bill or notice, you have the right to challenge it. Informal and formal protest options are available. See Challenge a Tax Department actions for information and related videos.
Source: New York State Department of Taxation and Finance
Friday, December 22, 2017
PERB Mourns the Death of Jerome Lefkowitz
The following statement was submitted by the New York State Public Employment Relations Board.
The New York State Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) is saddened to announce that on December 21, 2017, Jerome (“Jerry”) Lefkowitz, a central figure in the history of the Taylor Law and of PERB, passed away. Jerry’s involvement with the Taylor Law dates back to 1966, when he was tasked by then-Governor Nelson Rockefeller with drafting legislation that would secure for public sector employees the right to union representation, while protecting the public from interruption of public services. Jerry’s draft legislation was, effectively, the template for New York’s Public Employees’ Fair Employment Act, better known as the Taylor Law.
PERB’s first Chair, Robert Helsby, appointed Jerry as the agency’s first Deputy Chair, making him PERB’s first employee. Jerry served as Deputy Chair for the next 19 years. He worked closely with PERB Chairpersons Robert Helsby and Harold Newman, and he drafted the great majority of the decisions rendered by the Helsby and Newman Boards. Jerry also prepared PERB’s original Rules of Procedure, and he assisted in drafting statutory amendments to and legislative reports concerning the Taylor Law. Jerry’s counsel was critical in establishing PERB’s independence as a labor relations agency.
Jerry became a PERB Board Member in 1986, before accepting a position as Deputy Counsel for the Civil Service Employees’ Association in 1987.
In 2007, Jerry returned to PERB as Chairperson. He fostered esprit de corps among agency staff, met with public employers and unions, advocated for an increase in the agency’s budget, and began the process of organizing a conference celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Taylor Law. Jerry served as Chairperson until his retirement in 2015.
Jerry thrived on robust and creative legal arguments presented by parties in PERB’s proceedings and he loved to debate the issues with members of the Board and his Deputy Chairs. For all his love of the law’s subtleties, Jerry never lost sight of the effect PERB’s decisions had, and continue to have, on the lives of working people and the public. PERB’s decisions during his tenure as Deputy Chair and Chairperson reflect his commitment to fairness, scholarship, and the neutral application of the Taylor Law.
Jerry is survived by his wife Myrna, four children, and 10 grandchildren. PERB sends its sincere condolences to Jerry’s family, friends, and all those whose lives have been touched by his kind and gentle nature.
PERB mourns Jerry’s passing, and celebrates his legacy.
A detailed profile of Jerry is available on PERB’s website.
PERB’s first Chair, Robert Helsby, appointed Jerry as the agency’s first Deputy Chair, making him PERB’s first employee. Jerry served as Deputy Chair for the next 19 years. He worked closely with PERB Chairpersons Robert Helsby and Harold Newman, and he drafted the great majority of the decisions rendered by the Helsby and Newman Boards. Jerry also prepared PERB’s original Rules of Procedure, and he assisted in drafting statutory amendments to and legislative reports concerning the Taylor Law. Jerry’s counsel was critical in establishing PERB’s independence as a labor relations agency.
Jerry became a PERB Board Member in 1986, before accepting a position as Deputy Counsel for the Civil Service Employees’ Association in 1987.
In 2007, Jerry returned to PERB as Chairperson. He fostered esprit de corps among agency staff, met with public employers and unions, advocated for an increase in the agency’s budget, and began the process of organizing a conference celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Taylor Law. Jerry served as Chairperson until his retirement in 2015.
Jerry thrived on robust and creative legal arguments presented by parties in PERB’s proceedings and he loved to debate the issues with members of the Board and his Deputy Chairs. For all his love of the law’s subtleties, Jerry never lost sight of the effect PERB’s decisions had, and continue to have, on the lives of working people and the public. PERB’s decisions during his tenure as Deputy Chair and Chairperson reflect his commitment to fairness, scholarship, and the neutral application of the Taylor Law.
Jerry is survived by his wife Myrna, four children, and 10 grandchildren. PERB sends its sincere condolences to Jerry’s family, friends, and all those whose lives have been touched by his kind and gentle nature.
PERB mourns Jerry’s passing, and celebrates his legacy.
A detailed profile of Jerry is available on PERB’s website.
Emergency Executive Action Taken to Deliver Property Tax Deductibility for New Yorkers
Earlier today, Governor Andrew Cuomo issued an emergency Executive Order to help protect property owners in New York from the devastating impact of the GOP tax bill. This order authorizes local governments to immediately issue tax warrants for the collection of 2018 property tax payments and allows property owners to pay at least a portion of their bill before the end of the year and under the current tax construct. The Governor directed the Department of Taxation and Finance to work with local governments to facilitate early tax collection.
The federal tax plan, signed into law today, caps the deductibility of state and local taxes at $10,000, effectively raising property taxes and reducing home values in New York and in states across the country.
Audio of Governor Cuomo's remarks is available here.
Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
The federal tax plan, signed into law today, caps the deductibility of state and local taxes at $10,000, effectively raising property taxes and reducing home values in New York and in states across the country.
Audio of Governor Cuomo's remarks is available here.
Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Beyond Extreme Energy Responds to FERC's Plan to Review Its Approval Process
We Don’t Trust Them.
The following was submitted in response to the announcement by the chairman of the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) that the agency will review
its approval process for interstate gas pipelines:
If
FERC were an agency which truly put the public interest first, the
announced plan to review their process for approving pipelines would be a
welcome development. But facts don’t lie: over the past 30 years FERC
has granted permits for all but two proposed interstate gas pipelines.
It is a rubber stamp agency, and it has been this through both
Democratic and Republican administrations.
This
announced plan comes on the heels of FERC’s efforts in New York to
override the rights of states to make decisions on air and water permits
for proposed pipelines. It comes as FERC considers Rick Perry’s order
that they change regulatory rules and increase costs to consumers so
that coal and nuclear power are given special privileges in the
supposedly fuel source neutral, FERC-regulated market.
The
“need” as far as new gas pipelines is to stop building them and get
serious about the urgently-needed shift to renewables. But all signs
indicate FERC is going from bad to worse. Instead of moving forward into
the 21st century world of wind, solar and other renewables, the Trump-appointed
FERC leaders want things to go backwards to the fossil fuel-dominated 20th century. We don’t trust them.
Source: Beyond Extreme Energy
A Christmas Present and Message for the Puerto Rican Community
Puerto Rico Se Levanta "Que Viva La Navidad"
From The G-Man hopes those in your homeland receive the much-needed care and support they rightfully deserve.
This video was published on YouTube on November 7, 2017.
This video was published on YouTube on November 7, 2017.
Source: Orgullo Boricua
'Flashback Friday': Trump Says 'I Would Love to Be a Well-Educated Black' (1989)
Director Spike Lee Responds
Donald Trump discusses his views on the advantage of being born Black in the United States.
Source: Mother Jones
Trailblazers in Black History: Joseph Hayes
This video was published on YouTube on June 30, 2017.
Joseph Hayes was one of the greatest Taekwondo players that ever lived.
Admired by the legendary Bruce Lee, he was known to dominate Taekwondo
tournaments throughout North America. In 1972, he was inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame.
Source: On The Black List
Israel-Palestine: Trumped, Part 1: Why the Israeli Right Will Never Negotiate
By Steven Jonas
As is widely known, President Trump recently declared
that the United States recognizes Jerusalem as the capitol of the State of
Israel and that he intends to move the U.S. Embassy there as soon as it is
feasible to do so. He also announced
that architects and engineers will be getting to work on the design. Since he does
try to make personal income out of his Presidency (see for example his golf
courses, his Mar-a-Lago Club, and his Washington hotel), one wonders if he will
be directing that the work be done a) by Trump-connected firms, b) how tall the
building will be, and c) if it will be named something like "The Trump
Embassy," or "The U.S. Embassy/Trump Tower."
(For a fuller discussion of what Trump has done and what it means see "Trump's Lethal Decision on Jerusalem ," retailing
a conversation between Prof. Francis Boyle, a long-time legal advisor to the Palestinian
Liberation Organization, and Dennis Bernstein, the host of "Flashpoints" on the
Pacifica Radio Network.)
At any rate, the move is weighed down in
symbolism. Among other things, it
indicates that the U.S. has in reality given up trying to be an "honest broker"
in the never-ending, on-again/off-again talks between the Israeli government
and the Palestinians. Of course, it has
always been known that the U.S. has never been a diplomatically fully neutral
party. But the appearances of that status
that successive U.S. governments have tried to maintain, even while providing
much maintenance for the Israeli Defense Force, will now largely be a thing of
the past. Which is just fine with
Trump's soul-mate, Bibi Netanyahu, his party Likud, and the small
ultra-"religious" right-wing parties on which Likud is dependent for staying in
power. Why?
Click here for the full article.
No Michigan Police Officers Disciplined for Pulling Gun on 11-Year-Old Girl
The Michigan police officers who handcuffed and frightened an 11-year-old girl
won't face any disciplinary action, but they're getting a new set a
rules for dealing with kids that's been dubbed the "Honestie policy."
Named after the girl, Honestie Hodges, the
policy requires Grand Rapids Police Department officers to get to know
the kids on their beats.
“Starting right away, all patrol officers will
have more interaction with community children on a rotating schedule,
working with several outreach programs,” the police said in a statement.
Click here for the full article.
Houston Mayor Makes Desperate Plea for Hurricane Harvey Recovery Aid
In a moving plea for help from the state and federal government,
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner was joined at a Thursday press conference
by three of his constituents who remain displaced by Hurricane Harvey
nearly four months after the storm made landfall.
“Literally, there are thousands of people
living in homes that need to be remediated,” said Turner. “And there are
thousands of people who are still living in hotels. And the question
is, where do they go when FEMA says, ‘No more’?”
Click here for the full article.
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