October 15th, 2024

STAY AWAKE OR BE ARRESTED!

WHAT ABOUT THE CRIME

In June the Supreme Court ruled, in spite of the Eighth Amendment, protecting us from excessive fines, or cruel and unusual punishment, it is acceptable to arrest, fine, and remove fellow citizens who can’t afford homes. Without offering alternatives Judge Gorsuch wrote “Homelessness is complex. Its causes are many,” but he said federal judges lack any “special competence” to inform cities how to manage it. He brazenly recommended that since sleeping in public is now a criminal act, the accused should pursue the “necessity defense” when apprehended. (A necessity defense is an admission of guilt with claims that the act was necessary. Not all states recognize the necessity defense, but even when it is permitted it is seldom successful.)

In Grants Pass, Oregon, a town with no homeless shelter, the penalty for sleeping in a public park is $295. That’s a bar-gain compared to a law signed by Governor Abbott; he allows fines up to $500 and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has warned that failure to enforce this will result in “costly litigation and a loss of state grant funds.” Spiraling rent costs, a dearth of affordable housing, and the end of federal pandemic funds caused homelessness to soar 12 per cent last year nationally. Th e elderly, young LGBTQ community members, and Blacks are the most exposed.
“Sleep is a biological necessity, not a crime,” said Justice Sonia Sotomayor, in her dis-sent. “Punishing people for something they can’t control, like homelessness, is cruel and unusual.”
Her sympathy is bolstered by her experience of growing up in public housing. She expressed exasperation with her conservative colleagues. “Instead, the majority [justices] focuses almost exclusively on the needs of local governments and leaves the most vulnerable in our society with an impossible choice: Either stay awake or be arrested.”

This ruling applies to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, California and a handful of other Western states, not Houston, but it does off er permission for our city to contemplate different processes. Mayor Turner’s Office on Homelessness had a better idea. Instead of oppressing the victims, they invested in long-term housing and service plans that decreased the city’s unhoused population by more than 60 per cent in a decade. Case managers made accommodations avail-able to each client, including shelter, literacy, food, physical and mental health. But first, housing. “Once we house somebody, the last thing we want them to do is recidivate back onto the streets. We will never house somebody without services. Th e services is what keeps the person housed. And the housing is what makes the services effective,” explained Mark Eichenbaum in January when he was Mayor Turner’s special assistant on homeless initiatives.
“What do you call somebody experiencing homelessness, who’s in the shelter? They’re still homeless.”

Not to be outdone, Houston Mayor John Whitmire has announced “My administration has developed a sensible home-less plan that I’ll release soon … We can do better and will study the U.S. Supreme Court ruling to under-stand what additional effective measures it allows.”

October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

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