This article first appeared in Jack and Jill Politics on January 28, 2011 by Jill Tubman. It is an account of what is happening in Egypt and what and why you should know. The opinions expressed are those of Jill Tubman and Jack and Jill Politics. I appreciate her willingness to share with other bloggers. Egypt: What You Should Know & Why You Should Care 28 Jan 2011 Author: Jill Tubman Are you following what’s happening in Egypt? I have followed the events over the past few days and am hopeful for the people of Egypt. I agree with our Prez and the Secretary of State that the people have the right to express themselves peacefully including via social media and that this is an opportunity for the government there to respond. Above, watch Egypt’s Tiananmen Square moment where a young man stands up to a tank at 1:30min. The force of his will to protect others and his silent call on those in the tank to stop hurting people is palpable. The tank even backed up for a moment in … [Read more...] about Egypt What You Should Know
Archives for January 2011
A Tale Of Two Second Chances
Everyone deserves a second chance. I believe everyone deserves a second, third, fourth, fifth and however many chances, it may take to get it right. The “it” is life. We all mess up somewhere along the way. Some of us mess up more than others. Michael Vick spent 21 months in jail before being offered a second chance to quarter back for the Philadelphia Eagles. This week, Michael Vick received news of another second chance. He received his first endorsement deal, since returning to the NFL, from sports gear company, Unequal Technologies. The president, Rob Vito, stated he believes "that people can repent and deserve a second chance." Another person, “Golden Voice” Ted Williams, the homeless man and former radio announcer received a second chance at life too. Mr. Williams had been homeless for 17 years, living on the streets, drinking alcohol and using crack cocaine, by his own words. Instantly, his luck changed when someone taped him and his announcer’s voice on the street. Job … [Read more...] about A Tale Of Two Second Chances
The Morning After the State of the Union Address
President Obama’s State of the Union address was inspiring and visionary. He spoke of using our time as the “Sputnik” moment to become the best that we can become as a nation. Rep. Steve Israel ( D. NY), chairman of the DCCC, stated the President’s speech reminded him of Pres. John Kennedy. President Obama spoke of improving education, energy, cutting costs in government, improving infrastructure to roads and Internet and ending the Afghanistan war. Rep. Israel spoke the morning after about President Obama being “pitch perfect” on energy. This year, both parties made attempts to put party aside and sit together. In the words of Senator Barbara Mikulski (D.MD), they came in two by two like Noah’s ark. The mood was somber and respectful this year. The speech comes on the hills of the Arizona shootings and killings. An empty chair was placed for Rep. Giffords. There were no Rep. Joe Wilson’s ( R. SC) “you lie” moments to President Obama. And there were no shout outs by President … [Read more...] about The Morning After the State of the Union Address
Happy Anniversary Roe v. Wade
Each January marks the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, giving women the right to choose an abortion. Every year, both Pro Choice and Pro Life groups gather in Washington, DC, to support their respective views. This year was no different. Pro Choice groups such as National Organization for Women and NARAL- Pro Choice America gathered on the steps of the Supreme Court to acknowledge the historic anniversary of a woman’s right to choose. It has now been 38 years since the historic and landmark Supreme Court decision. In recent times, many Pro Life groups have argued that abortion is resulting in black genocide. That is not true but hype. Abortion gives a woman a right to choose and it is the choice that makes America a democracy. Yet, the Supreme Court is further eroding away women’s rights issues with its recent decisions. But today, we can still applaud a woman’s right to choose as the law of the land, as decided in 1973. And today, we can applaud that there are 3 women Supreme Court … [Read more...] about Happy Anniversary Roe v. Wade
When Are Jobs Coming To America?
Many American jobs have gone overseas through outsourcing to China, India and other countries. The New York Times and recent CBS News polls show that most Americans think jobs are the number one priority for the new Congress. At a recently televised 3 hour segment by Tavis Smiley on America’s Next Chapter, the top concern facing our country, according to the online discussion, is Jobs, Jobs and Jobs. It’s that simple. Many online persons spoke about jobs being the number one priority for people in this country but yet expressed concern that our politicians are not focused on jobs. Arianna Huffington, co-founder of the Huffington Post recently asked how do we create jobs when we manufacture nothing except lies. Arianna Huffington spoke of her daughter’s college friends who face an uncertain future due to the lack of jobs for college graduates. And I know of recent college graduates, law school graduates and post graduates who have degrees and six figure college debts to prove … [Read more...] about When Are Jobs Coming To America?
Digital Access is a Civil Rights Issue For Minorities
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski says closing the digital gap is one of the most important civil rights issues of our time. While many of us are busy online with the Internet throughout the day, a large percentage of African Americans and Latinos are being left behind without accessibility and affordability to broadband. It is estimated that only 56% of African Americans have broadband in their households and only 47% of Hispanics. This compares to 65% for white Americans households. In all, a third of all Americans have not adopted broadband, according to FCC Chairman Genachowski. Combined with low income families without broadband, it translates to an estimated 100 million who are being left behind. Today many jobs are posted only online while many government services are online. Without access to online, many are required to still stand in line. In contrast, blacks are using cell phones at a much higher rate than whites, with 81% of African Americans owning a cell phone. But, … [Read more...] about Digital Access is a Civil Rights Issue For Minorities