The Montgomery County Dialogue on Race (DOR) was the recipient of the 2019 Fitz Turner Award for Outstanding Contributions in Intergroup Relations by the Virginia Education Association (VEA). The award was presented at the Eleventh Annual Awards Dinner in Richmond in March. It recognized DOR for its efforts to bring about racial change in the … [Read more…]
I am a lifelong advocate of a national health plan that would provide universal health care, something that all other industrialized countries have. Americans did not seem to want it. Among the many pushbacks I would receive through the years is, “The [inept] United States government cannot handle anything as large as a national health … [Read more…]
In a recent column, the noted economist Paul Krugman asked why is it that Republicans have “a deep, unreasoning hatred of the idea that government policy may help some people get health care.” I think the answer is staring us in the face. Many conservatives and probably all Right-Wingers oppose public support for the public—in … [Read more…]
In 1951, the Civil Rights Congress, which included such prominent African American figures as W.E.B. DuBois and Paul Robeson, submitted a brief to the United Nations entitled, “We charge genocide: The Crime of Government Against the Negro People.” Here is a quote from page 8 of that document: “Once the classic method of lynching was … [Read more…]
It continually amazes me that people and organizations in positions to do more to atone for racist acts often only apologize. Yes, believable apologies are acceptable actions, but not nearly enough. Too many of us accept this pitiable act. It is time to stop doing that. We must demand more of Governor Northam. He is … [Read more…]
A new day is trying to be born in Washington. Young progressive members of Congress are pushing the envelope as they promised in their campaigns. But changes do not come easily. Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, a Somali-American Muslim, is under fierce attack, even from members of her party, for criticizing American political allegiance to Israel. … [Read more…]
Last Friday, the same day that we learned about Virginia Governor Ralph Northam’s racist yearbook page, I learned about some of Joe Biden’s old racist behavior. I hold the position that what Joe Biden did “back in the day,” opposing federally mandated busing is worse than what Northam did. Northam’s actions were racist to the … [Read more…]
For a fair and balanced consideration of tax policies see Paul Krugman here.
After the private meeting that Trump turned public with Democratic leaders on December 11, 2018, Nancy Pelosi said she and many other Democrats considered Trump’s wall “immoral, ineffective and expensive.” That was a good start, but it needs to continue. Once again society may suffer because Democrats do not explain themselves, even when they are … [Read more…]