Commentary

Live and let live: Michael Vick too

Friday, 21 August 2009 13:46 William Reed

Michael Vick's reinstatement to the NFL and recent signing by the Philadelphia Eagles is a bit of victory for those who tire of seeing American mainstream society make Black American athletes “public enemy number one” when they screw up. If you are in synch with values and a mindset that accepts as fact: Allen Iverson is ‘edgy”, Michael Irvin is some kind of criminal and Terrell Owens is a malcontent, you are a part of an American tradition of vilifying Black athletes.

They don't dislike health care, they dislike Barack Obama

Friday, 21 August 2009 12:45 Julianne Malveaux, NNPA Columnist

I am fascinated by the town hall meetings that are happening around the country and the ire, real or imagined, that is being heaped on members of Congress who are simply attempting to share information with their constituencies about ways our government hopes to help 50 million uninsured Americans get health insurance.

Stop Congo sex violence

Monday, 17 August 2009 11:47 Judge Greg Mathis

Here, in America, when we hear the word ‘rape’ we think of women being snatched off the streets by a stranger or being forced by a man they know. But in eastern Congo, located in Central Africa, rape is used as a tool of war. Women, girls and, increasingly, men are subject to this brutal act that damages both the victim’s body and spirit.

Passing the healthcare smell test

Monday, 17 August 2009 11:44 Joseph C. Phillips

The narrative currently being written by the new left posits that opposition to their attempts to reform health care is fueled by political impotence, crackpot extremism and racism. Alas, elected officials demonstrating contempt for the people they represent has sadly become the rule rather than the exception. Calling the American people Nazis and fools may make a more compelling story than the truth, but it will not alter the fact that Americans simply do not want the expensive, top-heavy government healthcare boondoggle currently being stuffed down their throats.

We must support the Youth PROMISE Act

Thursday, 13 August 2009 15:32 Marian Wright Edelman

Over the last three decades, politicians from Capitol Hill to local city councils have generated law enforcement polices and practices based on the mantra that we have to "get tough on crime." The impact of that approach to law enforcement has made our nation the biggest jailer on the planet. With 2.3 million people behind bars, many for non-violent drug offenses, America incarcerates more of its people than any other country in the world. African Americans constitute one-third and Latinos one-fifth of our imprisoned population. This is madness!

Corruption blocks New Orleans recovery

Thursday, 13 August 2009 15:26 Judge Greg Mathis

William Jefferson, a former Louisiana Congressman who represented parts of New Orleans, was recently convicted` in federal court for accepting more than $400,000 in bribes. Jefferson could be sentenced to more than 20 years in prison for his crimes. Though it only took the jury five days to deliver the verdict, it will take tax payers much longer to pay off the trial’s debt; a sum that includes far more than court costs.

Healthcare and cynicism

Friday, 07 August 2009 11:54 Joseph Phillips

The current philosophy of governance – and this includes governance of the democrat and republican variety—is that there is tremendous capacity in government to better the lives of average folks; it is the power of administrative policy that can end poverty, cure disease, and ultimately save the planet. It is, alas, also the promise of happiness written in capital letters that entices “we the people” to grant government ever greater powers with which to work their magic. Can’t find any authority in the constitution for the actions of our government? “Why man, they are engaged in the serious business of saving humanity!”