Happy New Year to Everyone! We made it through 2012 with the election of Pres. Obama but have not quite finished the work of avoiding the “fiscal cliff” and completing other unfinished business yet. As many of you who subscribe to LegalSpeaks are aware, a Christmas holiday hiatus known as a vacation was in order. Beginning January 2, 2013, LegalSpeaks will resume with regular blog posts and articles on progressive legal and political news. Today—January 1st marks the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation where President Abraham Lincoln freed all the slaves in the confederate states. The Emancipation Proclamation declared that on January 1, 1863, all persons held as slaves in “rebellious areas” shall be forever free. This move paved the way for the 13th amendment to the Constitution which codified the emancipation in our constitution. In Washington, DC the Emancipation Proclamation is briefly on display at the National Archives for the next several days. And on … [Read more...] about Happy New Year’s Day from LegalSpeaks
Archives for December 2012
Happy Holidays
As we approach the holidays and upcoming New Year, I wanted to take the time to extend my heartfelt thanks to all who read, comment or subscribe to LegalSpeaks blog. It is my desire to bring the most relevant legal and political progressive commentary. I wish everyone a wonderful holiday and a happy and prosperous new year. As we enter the new year, let us take the time to remember those who have passed away in 2012. My heart goes out to the families and extended families of Newtown, Connecticut and all cities and towns across America that have faced gun violence. Let's also think of ways that collectively we can make 2013 a better progressive political year for our country and fellow Americans. Wishing you and your family--love, peace and joy this holiday season! All the best, Debbie Hines, Esq. Founder, LegalSpeaks … [Read more...] about Happy Holidays
John Kerry Moves Closer to Sec. of State as Rice Steps Aside
Last week, U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice withdrew her name for consideration as Secretary of State. I was saddened and disappointed but not surprised to hear her announcement. Once the GOP attacked her and few vigorously supported her, it seemed like just a matter of time before she succumbed to the criticism. Republicans spoke out against her appointment from the beginning based on her handling of statement on the four Americans who died in Benghazi. They also had the audacity to call her unqualified, despite her impeccable credentials. President Obama forcibly spoke out in support of Susan Rice in the beginning. And members of the Congressional Black Caucus and some women members of the Democratic Caucus supported her along with many minority women’s groups. But the Administration’s support of Rice became silent during the loud thunder of the GOP. And many other women’s groups failed to come to her side. While many pundits and politicians disagree that the dispute over Rice … [Read more...] about John Kerry Moves Closer to Sec. of State as Rice Steps Aside
Sandy Hook and Time to Take Action Against Gun Violence
On Sunday, President Obama said in a televised memorial speech in Newtown, Connecticut that if there is one step that we can take to prevent another Columbine, Tucson, Aurora, Virginia Tech or Newtown, we have an obligation to try. He continued by saying we cannot say that we are powerless or to say that the politics are too hard. And if the politics are not too hard, then the Obama Administration should do more than just make a speech. And Congress needs to do more than standing by idly to prevent gun violence in America. If it’s not too hard, then our lawmakers need to step up to the National Rifle Association ("NRA"). The NRA has many of our Republican lawmakers hostage to changing our gun laws. The taking of the lives of 20 six and seven year old first grade children by a madman is unthinkable. But it was also unthinkable for other madmen to take the lives of high school students in Columbine, college students at Virginia Tech, movie goers in Aurora or constituents in … [Read more...] about Sandy Hook and Time to Take Action Against Gun Violence
Connecticut School Killings Show It’s Time for the Gun Talk
A 20 year old madman walked into a Newtown, Connecticut elementary grade school and took the lives of 20 children, six teachers, one principal and then took his life. Before the school killing, he killed his own mother. The school’s number of killings marks it as the second worse mass shooting in U.S. history behind Virginia Tech in 2007. Will this be the one that starts the political gun talk and gets our politicians' attention? Mother Jones reveals that 30 states have had mass murders since 1982. In recent years, mass killings have included the Arizona gunman who shot Gabriele Giffords and killed six others, the Aurora, Colorado movie theater shootings of 71 wounded and 12 killed and 1989 Columbine High school. And every day in America there are gun violence killings in many urban cities across America. Last week, football player Jovan Belcher shot and killed his girlfriend and then took his life. This week, gun violence also erupted in an Oregon shopping mall. Guns are … [Read more...] about Connecticut School Killings Show It’s Time for the Gun Talk
The Michigan Fight for Workers Rights Continues
It’s been a little over a month since the election and Republicans are again attacking the middle class, this time in Michigan. Michigan, the home of the auto industry and the United Auto Workers Union, became the 24th “right to work" state on Tuesday, December 11, 2012. “Right to work” legislation in Michigan is Republican politicians’ attempts to revoke workers’ right to organize, dilute unions and the right to bargain collectively. Right to work is really the right to pay workers less money and benefits. Due to the hard work of unions, we got the 8 hour day, sick leave and vacation time. For many workers, they don't think about these three significant work laws which were hard fought and won by unions. Michigan Governor Rick Scott signed the bill almost immediately before the bill’s ink was dry. Michigan Democratic Party Chair, Mark Brewer stated ,” the people of Michigan will not forget how he abandoned working families…and “how the Republican legislature rushed through … [Read more...] about The Michigan Fight for Workers Rights Continues