The case of the People of California versus Conrad Murray began this week. The prosecutor came out slugging hard. First, after setting out the theory of their case in opening statement, that Dr. Murray gave Michael Jackson a lethal dose of Propofol, an intravenous anesthesia used for surgery, to help Jackson sleep and failed to monitor Jackson after administering the lethal dose. Murray is charged with involuntary manslaughter which means he committed an unintentional, unlawful killing with an act so egregious, so reckless that the likelihood of death or great bodily harm would occur. The DA began with showing photographs of Michael Jackson’s lifeless body on a gurney and an audio of Michael speaking so slowly that his voice was unrecognizable. The prosecution is attempting to portray Murray as knowing that Michael was on other prescription drugs, all while giving him the acute Propofol intoxication, according to the coroner. In the first week, the trial reveals the chaos in the … [Read more...] about Will Dr. Murray be Acquitted in the Death of Michael Jackson?
Archives for September 2011
President Obama Gives the CBC a Fiery Speech and a Scolding
President Obama gave a fiery speech to his most loyal base at the conclusion of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) dinner on Saturday. The President spoke to the mostly black crowd on the importance of faith and the works of politics to get the job done. President Obama highlighted some of his accomplishments specifically affecting African Americans like extending unemployment benefits, increasing Pell grants, substantially increasing funds to the HBCU’s over 10 years and providing health insurance to more than 1 million more young adults in the next 1 ½ years, to name a few. Yet, the President acknowledged “we have to do more to put people back to work right now,” starting with the American Jobs Act, reforms for long term unemployment and summer jobs for low income youth. Unfortunately, the speech was slightly marred at the very end with his comments to the CBC and those in attendance to “stop complaining and stop grumbling”. In many circles and to some members of the CBC, the … [Read more...] about President Obama Gives the CBC a Fiery Speech and a Scolding
DNC Meets With African American Bloggers
Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz and senior officials of the DNC met on September 21 with a group of prominent and influential African American bloggers to engage in conversation about the 2012 election and what’s at stake for the African American community. She says 2012 is personal. Our lives are at stake and our children’s future are on the line. Despite what other opinion pollsters may say, the President’s approval rating is still high among African Americans despite high unemployment and foreclosure rates. According to several Gallup polls by the same pollster given in August, 2008, 2009 and 2010, support for the President among African Americans hovers around 86%-88%. But, the DNC and Wasserman Schultz are taking nothing for granted. That’s why the meeting was called 14 months in advance of the election to get people on board. Wasserman Schultz mapped out the plan for registering voters, getting out the vote and messaging to African … [Read more...] about DNC Meets With African American Bloggers
Troy Davis- End the Death Penalty
Troy Davis’ execution must be the beginning of a new resurgence in this country to end the death penalty. The fight must continue forward and that’s what will honor the legacy of Troy Davis. As Troy said, it was not just about him but for all the other Troy Davis that came before him and will unfortunately come after him. Davis had an unprecedented amount of support that included almost 1 million signatures to a Petition calling for his clemency including former President Jimmy Carter, Desmond Tutu, former FBI director William Sessions, Pope Benedict XVI and a host of others. Since his conviction in 1991 of killing officer McPhail in 1989, 7 of the 9 witnesses had come forward to recant their testimony with allegations that one of the witnesses was the actual killer. But, this was not enough to convince the Georgia court system, the Georgia Parole board, Larry Chisolm, the county’s first African American district attorney or the Supreme Court of his innocence or to spare his life. … [Read more...] about Troy Davis- End the Death Penalty
Some Republicans Plan to Skip Obama’s Jobs Speech
President Obama will present his jobs proposal to a Joint Session of Congress on Thursday, September 8. Some Republicans plan to skip the Joint Session to host football parties, campaign for themselves, stay home and otherwise disrespect our President and ignore our nation’s urgent need to work to create jobs. Jobs should be the top priority in Washington. Republicans have made clear that their top priority is seeing President Obama fail, even at the expense of Americans failing. Rep. Ron Paul decided not to stop his own presidential campaign to attend the session. South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint, Illinois Rep. Joe Walsh and Georgia Rep. Paul Broun are also planning to stay away. DeMint says he prefers to read the speech text. And he should do that plus attend in person. Next Republicans will be staying at home during the President's State of the Union address to read it at home. Louisiana Sen. David Vitter has what he believes is the best reason to skip it. He had planned a NFL … [Read more...] about Some Republicans Plan to Skip Obama’s Jobs Speech
Labor Day is a Time for Working
Labor Day should be a time for us to take pause at how many Americans are out of work or under employed and work to do something about it. No, most Americans cannot invent jobs or hire employees. But as Americans, we can go to our lawmakers, those in Congress and the Senate, and hound them to find the solutions to our jobs and economic dilemma. That’s why we sent them to Washington, DC. The August Bureau of Labor jobs report was worse than abysmal, showing that no net jobs were created and little change since April. As we celebrate Labor Day around the country, it’s ironic that so many Americans are out of work. For many Americans, a Labor day holiday is unfortunately an everyday occurrence. President Obama is scheduled to deliver yet another jobs speech on Thursday, September 8 on his new jobs initiatives. One Republican lawmaker has already said that it will be difficult to hear the President make yet another speech on jobs. So, if the Republicans are tired of hearing … [Read more...] about Labor Day is a Time for Working