Politics

Sen. Schumer says Senate will vote on changes to filibuster by MLK Day

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA The U.S. Senate will vote by January 17 on whether the chamber will adopt new rules to circumvent the filibuster to facilitate passing of upcoming voting rights and social justice bills, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) announced on Monday, January 3. “The Senate was designed to protect the political rights of the minority in the chamber, through the promise of debate and the opportunity to amend. But over the years, those rights have been warped and contorted to obstruct and embarrass the will of the majority – something our Founders explicitly opposed,” Sen. Schumer wrote in a letter to his colleagues. “The Constitution specified what measures demanded a supermajority – including impeachment or the ratification of treaties. But they explicitly rejected supermajority requirements for legislation, having learned firsthand of such a requirement’s defects under the Articles of Confederation,” he continued. Although the Senate is evenly split with 50 Democrats and 50 Republicans, Sen. Schumer’s party controls the majority, with Vice President Kamala Harris positioned to cast any tie-breaking vote. Still, a significant hurdle remains in the senator’s own party. West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin has remained steadfast in opposition to any changes to the filibuster, a centuries-old rule rooted in racism. Sen. Manchin’s opposition to several pieces of legislation has created a swath of defeat to several key pieces of legislation on his party’s agenda, making it increasingly difficult for President Joe Biden and others to fulfill campaign promises to made to voters, particularly those in the African American community. Recent history shows that when Republicans controlled the Senate, they bent tradition and rules to push through their party’s agenda, including two controversial Supreme Court nominations. With GOP-led voter suppression laws in states across the country and the continued police killings of unarmed African Americans, many have pushed for legislation like the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the George Floyd Justice and Policing bill. Both measures would supersede laws already on the books, make it easier for people of color to vote and hold law enforcement accountable for their actions. “The weaponization […]

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Scorched Earth Politics

The GOP is practicing a dangerous ungodly hostile political takeover game of scorched earth politics that has American democracy in turmoil. The lack of political civility and moral decency in our politics has American society in free-fall decline. Russia played an external militaristic scorched earth war game policy against Germany to save a nation. Christian Right Evangelicals, the GOP and White Nationalist Groups are using a political scorched earth take over policy in order to destroy democracy for White Privilege Autocracy. White Privilege oriented individuals are seeking to limit the Voting Rights, Civil Rights, and Economic Power of Blacks, and other Minorities who think antithetically to their evil doctrine of “White Privilege”: something for nothing. All great nations have fallen/declined, because they refuse to work for their own socio-economic benefit and only seek to use others as chattel labor. God mandated that all individuals work by the sweat of their brow. Unfortunately, America is on the same flawed political pathway seeking to institutionalize White Privilege based upon autocracy: political and physical violence. America, it is easy to devilishly destroy a nation, but more godly to build a nation. The GOP’s scorched earth policy is spiritually and physically destined to end as a catastrophic disaster, because all individuals are subject to God’s spiritual judgment principle: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”  Law Enforcement Constabularies and White Privilege Groups you cannot kill all Non-White-Americans as the Germans sought to exterminate the Jewish people. Non-Whites, just in case you see cattle-cars in your neighborhoods do not call 911, but alert everyone you can by any means necessary. Too many Whites have become radicalized behind skin-tone. Christian Right Evangelicals, The GOP and White Nationalist Groups who told you that skin-color gives you the power and privilege of ruler ship over other human beings? It was not God; therefore, it must have been the devil, because God has warned us: Do Not Partake Of Sin! America, life

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Political Party Base Politics

It is extremely difficult for Americans to hold a positive view of the future because of “Base Politics.” When a political party is entrenched in its own selfish mindset; not democracy, but autocracy America has a BIG, BIG GOVERNANCE PROBLEM. When the GOP will not discipline its own members; but will allow members to publicly display ungodly behaviors in the citadel of democracy (The Capitol), America will have a BIG TROUBLE. To add insult to injury the GOP has no democratic policy objectives that are universally oriented for the people, by the people, and of the people. Moreover, when Christian Right Evangelicals and White Nationalist Groups use the political tools of gerrymandering and restricted voting procedures/laws seeking to deny minorities their Civil Rights then democracy is in big trouble. America you cannot change ungodly mindsets that are oriented toward White Privilege exclusion. Moreover, from previous experiences we know: “that you cannot convince a fool against his will,” because: “Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.” America, we cannot change the mindset of Christian Right Evangelicals, The GOP, and White Nationalist Groups, because they are who they are, what they are, and will remain so until they come into the light of the TRUTH, because: “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”  The Democratic Party has too many voices speaking. Too many voices speaking at the same time creates confusion. God is not the author of confusion, but peace. Democratic Party Officials and Members are listening to too many News Commentators rather than listening to Official Party Leadership. News commentators sensationalize for ratings (salaries). Everyone is not an official elected leader in the Democratic Party; but everyone’s voice should be heard, not necessarily acted upon. Democrats need to speak boldly and with spiritual clarity to all Americans who believe in democracy, and presently it appears as though that’s only Democrats. President Biden should speak universally to political leaders of all persuasions

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House passes bipartisan infrastructure deal; president moves to sign legislation

By: Stacy M. Brown Congress has finally passed the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal and President Joe Biden said he would sign the bill with lawmakers present at a date he’ll determine soon. Known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the White House called the measure a once-in-a-generation investment in the nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness. “For far too long, Washington policymakers have celebrated ‘infrastructure week’ without ever agreeing to build infrastructure,” The White House said in a statement. “The President promised to work across the aisle to deliver results and rebuild our crumbling infrastructure. After the President put forward his plan to do exactly that and then negotiated a deal with Members of Congress from both parties, this historic legislation is moving to his desk for signature.” After Congress repeatedly failed to reach a consensus on the president’s domestic agenda and following the catastrophic losses in the November election, Democrats were desperate for a win. The White House said the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal would rebuild America’s roads, bridges, and rails, expand access to clean drinking water, ensure every American has access to high-speed internet, tackle the climate crisis, advance environmental justice, and invest in communities that have too often been left behind. “The legislation will help ease inflationary pressures and strengthen supply chains by making long overdue improvements for our nation’s ports, airports, rail, and roads,” President Biden declared. “It will drive the creation of good-paying union jobs and grow the economy sustainably and equitably so that everyone gets ahead for decades to come. Combined with the President’s Build Back Framework, it will add on average 1.5 million jobs per year for the next 10 years.” The President proclaimed that the bill would make historic investments in environmental clean-up and remediation, “and build up our resilience for the next superstorms, droughts, wildfires, and hurricanes that cost us billions of dollars in damage each year.” “I’m also proud that a rule was voted on that will allow for passage of my Build Back Better Act in the House of Representatives the week of November 15,” President Biden continued. The Build Back

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Democrats failure at federal level causes catastrophic losses in Virginia, elsewhere

By: Stacy M. Brown Election night proved as much an indictment on current Democratic leadership and the party’s inability to pass meaningful legislation. It also was a show of strength by Republicans as they continue to unite after former President Donald Trump’s resounding loss in the 2020 election cycle. In a state that President Joe Biden won by ten percentage points one year ago, the incumbent Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe not only lost to Republican Glenn Youngkin, but the race proved close to a landslide. Youngkin and other Virginia politicians mostly kept Trump away from campaign events, even refusing to appear with the former president. Likewise, while Trump endorsed Youngkin, he rarely mentioned the former president even if he embraced many of his policies that have led to other GOP governors crafting or pushing repressive voting and human rights laws. On the other hand, McAuliffe did bring in former President Barack Obama and attempted to use Trump’s endorsement of his opponent as a reason for voters to go against the Republican. “All of these attempts to pinpoint the answer ignore the myriad ways that demographics, turnout, geography, candidate appeals, and policy mix together,” opinion columnist Hayes Brown wrote for MSNBC. Critical race theory proved a sticking point as well. “Republicans don’t need to let up, they need to double down,” South Carolina Politician Graham Allen wrote on Twitter. “Don’t mess with our kids,” he demanded. Sirius XM radio personality Tim Young agreed. “The lesson of this election [is] don’t [mess] with people’s kids,” Young exclaimed. Youngkin spotlighted education during his campaign after McAuliffe weighed in with his thought that parents should not tell educators what to teach children. Conservatives seized upon that, claiming that McAuliffe pushed critical race theory. In New Jersey, Incumbent Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy awakened Wednesday morning in a virtual tie with upstart Republican Jack Ciattarelli. With about 98 percent of the votes in, Murphy held less than a percentage point lead. Perhaps reading the tea leaves from around the nation, Murphy sounded a conciliatory tone. “We’re sorry tonight couldn’t yet be the celebration we wanted it

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President Biden releases framework of Build Back Better Plan

By Stacy M. Brown/ NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent After hearing input from all sides and negotiating in good faith with Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema, Congressional Leadership, and a broad swath of Members of Congress, President Joe Biden on Thursday, October 28, announced a framework for his Build Back Better Act. The President said he’s confident this is a framework that can pass both houses of Congress, and he looks forward to signing it into law. He has called on Congress to take up this historic bill – in addition to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – as quickly as possible. “When enacted, this framework will set the United States on course to meet its climate goals, create millions of good-paying jobs, enable more Americans to join and remain in the labor force, and grow our economy from the bottom up and the middle out,” The President asserted. Specifically, the Build Back Better Act will count as the most transformative investment in children and caregiving in generations, the White House said. Administration officials insist that the framework would save most American families more than half of their spending on childcare, deliver two years of free preschool for every 3- and 4-year-old in America, give more than 35 million families a major tax cut by extending the expanded Child Tax Credit, and expand access to high-quality home care for older Americans and people with disabilities. The plan would also count as the largest effort to combat climate change in American history. The framework will cut greenhouse gas pollution by well over one gigaton in 2030, reduce consumer energy costs, give our kids cleaner air and water, create hundreds of thousands of high-quality jobs, and advance environmental justice by investing in a 21st century clean energy economy – from buildings, transportation, industry, electricity, and agriculture to climate smart practices across our lands and waters. Build Back Better also would spur the biggest expansion of affordable health care coverage in a decade. The framework reduces premiums for more than 9 million Americans by extending the expanded Premium Tax Credit,

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Texas Proposition 3 and the Black church

By: Roy Douglas Malonson   The COVID-19 / coronavirus pandemic still has people trying to figure out how to protect ourselves and our loved ones, whether we dine in or dine out at restaurants, and what buildings should remain open or closed. Texas Governor Greg Abbott became the center of scrutiny at the start of the schoolyear after mandating that students and staff NOT wear masks, and now, on the Nov. 2 ballot is Texas Proposition 3, which decides what rights houses of worships have. Do you know what Texas Proposition 3 is? Not many do, but you should. If voted into the Texas constitution, it will forbid state and local governments from limiting in-person gatherings regardless of threats to overall public health. This proposed constitutional amendment, if passed, would protect churches and places of worship, as well as religious organizations, from being shut down by the government like they were when the pandemic first struck. “I am in support of protections of our religious freedom,” said Rev. T. Leon Preston II, Yale Street Baptist Church. “Religious leaders should have the freedom of choice to determine whether we would shut down, based upon all knowledge and wisdom we gain from the medical experts. Leave that choice in our hands. “ Steven T. Collis, founding director of Texas’ Law and Religion Clinic, says Proposition 3 is designed to ensure states can’t close or limit churches the way many governing bodies did at the start of the pandemic to combat the spread of COVID-19. “There are almost no circumstances where government should be able to order the closing of a church, but a truly deadly pandemic would be one of them. The new statutory and constitutional language would remove any flexibility for government to close churches even if it did have a compelling interest, even if we faced a pandemic far deadlier than COVID,” Collis said.  “If people don’t think through the consequences at all, I suspect most church-going people will vote in favor of it,” Collis says. But what are the consequences? And for the Black community, how could it affect us?

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Know Your History: Harris County political leader Richard Allen

As we approach yet another round of voting, we want to highlight a little known politician who made major strides as an African American right here in Harris County. In this week’s “Know Your History,” we introduce you to political and civic leader Richard Allen. Allen was born a slave in Richmond, Virginia on June 10, 1830. He was brought to Texas in 1837 and ultimately to Harris County, where he was owned by J. J. Cain until emancipation in 1865. While a slave, he earned a reputation as a skilled carpenter and is credited with designing and building the mansion of Houston mayor Joseph R. Morris. After emancipation, Allen became a contractor and bridge builder and at times a commission agent and saloon owner. Although he was without a formal education, he became literate by 1870. Allen entered politics as a federal voter registrar in 1867. In 1868, he served as an agent of the Freedmen’s Bureau and as the supervisor of voter registration for the Fourteenth District of Texas. He also participated in the organization of the Republican party in Harris County. After assuming an active role in the Radical Republican meeting that nominated Edmund J. Davis for governor in 1869, Allen was elected to the Twelfth Legislature that November and became one of the first and most active Black legislators. As a representative of the Fourteenth District, which included Harris and Montgomery counties, he advocated general measures for education, law enforcement, and civil rights. In 1870, he unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for United States Congress. In 1871, the Union League, which supported the Republican party, made him one of its vice presidents. Allen apparently was reelected to the legislature in 1873, but the House seated his Democratic opponent, who contested the election. Allen remained a leader of the Republican party in Houston, at state conventions, and as a delegate to national conventions through 1896. He was elected street commissioner in Houston as an independent candidate in January 1878 and served for one term. Later that year, the conservative wing of the Republican party nominated him for

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The System

Question: is something better than nothing? Compared to what is the question of questions? The system works for the system, and the system is influenced by White Privilege on both sides of the isle. The only way the federal government can effectively work for all Americans is that all Americans are included regardless of race, creed or religion. Racism is a spiritual sickness. It exits on both sides of the political aisle, and penicillin is not the cure. The USA needs a ”come to Jesus moment”, because: “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved.” Only GOD can save US from US! Unfortunately, there was no penalty exacted upon The Southern Confederacy for withdrawing from the Union, and this why we have had a perpetual Civil War resulting in the events of January 6th, 2021. Sadly, once again we had American Trumpism (The Big Lie) fighting against American Democracy. America, we need a “National Reconciliation Spiritual Moment” that is grounded in democracy, because: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”  To say and do nothing is evil, because: “The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.” Sadly, it is this same Dixiecrat Mentality which caused Southern States to withdraw from the Union and is currently creating governance confusion in America’s socio-economic-political structure (Democracy). America, know this: “There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord.” President Lincoln knew that “A nation divided against itself cannot stand”; even though, Vice President Johnson was a Southern Dixiecrat he believed in the Lincoln Doctrine. Christian Right Evangelicals, The GOP and White Nationalists Groups and many Democrat Sympathizers take heed: “Righteousness exaltheth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.”  White Privilege oriented Whites (military-industrial-international-complex) are willing to spend trillions of dollars on warfare (killing), but not willing to spend a similar amount helping

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Time to VOTE!

Your money and your vote are the two most powerful tools you have control over. With early voting underway – ending on October 29 – we want to encourage you to continue to make your voices heard. Election Day is officially on November 2, and there is a lot at stake. Harris County residents will have district-specific ballot options, including a proposition to turn the Woodlands into a city, and a general election for the mayor of Baytown. City of Baytown, Mayor – General Election Candidates: Brandon Capetillo, David “Isick” Isaac and John Bryant Missouri City, District A Councilmember – General Election Candidates: Reginald Pearson, Bruce Zaborowski and Monica Riley THERE ARE ALSO IMPORTANT SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS YOU SHOULD BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR. Texans will also be voting on eight constitutional amendments.  Here is a breakdown, as noted on the Texas Tribune. Proposition 1: rodeo raffles Proposition 1 would allow charitable raffles at rodeo events. Unauthorized raffles can be considered illegal gambling under Texas law. Proposition 2: tax financing for county infrastructure This amendment would authorize counties to issue bonds or notes to raise funds for transportation infrastructure in underdeveloped areas. Already, cities and towns have the authority to fund projects with this financing method.  Counties would repay these bonds by pledging increased property tax revenues, but these funds cannot be used for construction, maintenance or acquisition of toll roads. Proposition 3: restrictions on religious services If approved, Proposition 3 would ban the state from prohibiting or limiting religious services, including those in churches and other places of worship. But critics of the proposal worry the change could prevent the government from acting to protect people in future emergencies, such as evacuations and public health emergencies. Proposition 4: state judge eligibility Proposition 4 would require candidates to have 10 years of experience practicing law in Texas to be eligible for election to the Texas Supreme Court, the Court of Criminal Appeals or a Texas court of appeals. Currently, the law requires 10 years of experience but allows for out-of-state experience. Proposition 5: judicial misconduct process Proposition 5 would allow

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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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