The same people who criticized President Obama and Michelle Obama during the election as being un-patriotic or un-American have now become anti-American or unpatriotic themselves. And that includes the tea totting partiers, Rush Limbaugh and all their cohorts. While we have the right to free speech in this country, too much of a good thing can also be bad. We had free speech to burn the American flag during the turbulent 1960's; freedom of speech for the KKK to burn crosses during the civil rights era. And now apparently, we have free speech to disrespect the President of the United States and the office of the Leader of the Free World. Even in free speech, there are limits. We do not have free speech rights when there is libel and slander, defamation or pornography involved. And I suggest that we don't need free speech when it goes beyond party differences but goes to the heart of the office of the presidency. As much as I was appalled during the election at the New Yorker … [Read more...] about Are Americans Becoming Un-American?
Archives for October 2009
Peace By Peace
I am excited to announce that I am now guest blogging for Peace x Peace ( Peace by Peace) an international women's peace organization based in Washington, DC. Please go to their site to read my first blog at: http://www.peacexpeace.org/Peace_X_Peace_Blogs/?p=1144 From time to time, I will be blogging at Peace x Peace on issues that affect women here and abroad. I hope to provide readers with thought provoking food that will move some to action. Stay tuned. Best, Debbie Hines, Esq. … [Read more...] about Peace By Peace
Having A Heart For The Homeless
In reality any of us could become homeless. Just look at Chris Gardner, Wall Street mogul, now famous for his Pursuit of Happyness movie and book. He was once homeless. Tyler Perry, author, screen writer, actor and producer is now worth more than $100 million. Seven years before his breakthrough, he was out on the street with no where to go. There are countless veterans who valiantly served our country now living out their lives as homeless. If these exceptional persons could become homeless, any of us could go down that same path. It only takes a little bad luck and a reversal of fortune. So I find it perplexing that Mayor Fenty chose to cut $20 million from the services for the homeless. He chose to do so in total disregard for Councilman Wells' pleas to cut anywhere but the homeless services. Councilman Wells chairs the Committee which oversees funds for the homeless. And this was really a double whammy for the homeless. Mayor Fenty cut in the same week funds for the House … [Read more...] about Having A Heart For The Homeless
Health Care: It’s All About The Money
We should morally do what's right when it comes to health care for all Americans. The moral argument is getting us no where as town hall meetings erupt like volcanoes. Now the public option is sinking faster than the Titanic. We're concerned more about wealth than health. If you can't beat them, then let's join them. Let's place the focus of the health care reform on money. A recent study by Timothy Waidmann at the Urban Institute estimates the increased costs due to racial and ethnic health disparitites is almost $24 billion in 2009. Right now there are almost 10 million Americans, depending on who's counting, without health insurance. We know the lack of affordable and quality health care results in poor health. Some would say, who cares. What the town hall erupters failed to realize is there is a higher cost for poor health. Simply put, it's not cheaper to keep us in poor health or uninsured. According to Mr. Waidmann's study, the racial and ethnic health disparity among … [Read more...] about Health Care: It’s All About The Money