Tucson, AZ. Students Occupy School Board Meeting to Defend Ethnic Studies

Last Sunday night on Twitter, just before president Obama's big announcement. I completely flipped out when I saw that Black folks were being encouraged to boycott the airing of Celebrity Apprentice that night. Supposedly this was in response to the antics of Donald Trump, who many now see as racist given his attacks on the president. I for one felt this was foolish. And me being the habitual line-stepper that I am, spared no seconds in letting people know how I felt. The way I see it, boycotting Trump who has not even as much utter a racial pejorative aimed at the president was ridiculous. In the grand scheme of things, a few Black people (who actually watch the show) boycotting Celebrity Apprentice, does nothing to impact society at large.

A few people were disgusted as I gave my take. In particular. they had a hard time understanding that this is indeed America, and love it or hate it, Trump can indeed say or do anything he wants within the law. They also had a hard time understanding my explanation that expanded to explain that Trump is not an elected official; and, he has not even declared whether he'going to run for president or not. Therefore, his has no direct impact on our lives as far as legislative policy. In short, there are and always will be racists in this country; and though I'm down with any anti-racism movement, I prefer a call to action on something significant. I'm all about making a difference and shining a light on where it's deserved, such as the following:



You see, racism or the tool that is racism is indeed applied systematically. Yes there are racial undertones associated with the claim of president Obama being Kenyan and not American. However, where were these so-called Black "activists" when Arizona were in the process of passing, or passed it's draconian SB1070 legislation. Further, where were these Black "activists" when the very same state passed a "Birther Bill" which supported the racist claims of irrational right-wing lunatics? From where I'm sitting legislation that bans ethnic studies in the state of Obama does more to negatively impact our society at large than Donald Trump could ever say or do - he's not an elected official.

As far as I'm concerned, this is a huge problem; that would be, the lack of participation by Black folks and true Black activists in the fight against the anti-immigrant movement. But I guess you have to be a Black immigrant like myself to truly understand just how laws such as HB 2281 and SB 1070 affects us all. The bottom line here folks: anti-immigrant legislation isn't just a "Mexican" problem; it's an American problem. In a country that was built and continues to be built on the backs on immigrants where we not only encourage diversity and the celebration of heritage and different cultures. It's time that we as Americans pull together and say no to what I see as the erasing of an individual ethnic and cultural identity; and that's not a good thing...

It's racist!

Arizona has a New Anti-Immigrant Bill in the Works

by JuJuBe (Joanna)

A new anti-immigrant bill (SB 1611), introduced  by the same man responsible for the infamous SB 1070, has been passed by a state appropriations committee in Arizona this morning. The bill now needs to go to the state House of Representatives and Senate before landing on the Governors desk. The bill is much more far reaching that SB 1070, and has human rights activists and health care professional contemplating civil disobedience.

The bills would deny birthright citizenship to the children of undocumented immigrants; make it a crime to drive without a license, punishable by 30 days in jail; ban undocumented students from accessing higher education; require proof of legal status to attend K-12 schools; and require hospitals to inquire about the immigration status of their patients. 

There are also provisions that would increase penalties for government employees who fail to report undocumented immigrants to immigration authorities if they apply for public benefits. SOURCE

Memorial in Tucson: Oh, So "Civility" Seems to Be the "Bootleg T-Shirt of the Month"

President Barack Obama & First Lady Michelle Obama at Memorial 

 I didn't get to see President Obama's speech in Tuscon last night. I had a lot of "stuff" going on and I completely forgot about the memorial. From what I heard he gave a great one that was deeply moving and inspirational; maybe youse people will now behave yourselves, tone down the "rhetoric", and stop killing each other. Oh yeah, the jury is still out on you black people and the whole killing each other thing, but I digress.... or is it digest or digestive tract.

So anyway, did you catch his speech? What did you think about it? I'd really love to hear your thoughts on it. More specifically, I'd love to hear whether you think what Obama said will have a positive impact on our political discourse in America or not. You know, gotta keep that "hopey-changey" thing alive as Jesse Jackson would say. What, you think I'm just some Ole hater-ass-hater?

OK, but seriously, I've read and heard much from everyone everywhere with an opinion on the Tuscon slaughter. Hell, even Sarah Palin came out of a hole like Punxutawney Phil with her innocent "blood libel" talk, and has pissed quite a few of you off. Hell my man AverageBro never curses in blogs, but he called her a bitch after seeing her speech. I say y'all should give Sister Sarah some credit for her professionally done Facebook video, because it only took her four days to learn how to read a teleprompter instead of her palm.

Jared Loughner, Mental Illness, & Arizona Mental Health Budget Cuts

Believe me I have other stuff to talk about besides Jared Loughner. But my recent post has taken a life of its own and has even expanded the conversation onto my Twitter Time Line. As I mentioned recently, the focus on right-wing political rhetoric (as if my fellow lefties never express irrational thought) minimizes the issue of mental health services and the people who need them. Some of whom are poor black folks.

Having said that, I came across a very interesting interview thanks to the good folks at Democracy Now! with H. Clark Romans, of the National Alliance on Mental Health of Southern Arizona. The discussion focuses on just how recent budget cuts by Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, has affected the many lives of of mentally diagnosed patients within the state, in this dire economy.

It’s unclear if Loughner either needed or sought mental-health care in the Tucson area, where he lived. But for those suffering from mental illness, Arizona has become a challenging state to live in. The state has seen a $65 million drop since 2008 in behavioral health services for Arizonans who don’t qualify for the state’s version of Medicaid, representing a 51 percent reduction over the last three fiscal years, according the Arizona Department of Health Services and a detailed December report on health care in the Arizona Daily Star. Some $36 million was slashed early last year, and Gov. Jan Brewer called the cuts, which affected some 12,000 adults and 2,000 children, “tough” and “painful,” according to The Arizona Republic, which also has reported that she has dealt personally with mental illness in her family.

Arizona’s budget woes are not unique—other states are confronting cuts to mental-health services and corresponding problems for local police. Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Richard Carmona, a friend of Rep. Giffords and her family, told The Daily Beast that calls to fix America’s mental-health-care system are missing the point. Integration of care is vital, he said: “We don’t have a mental-health system in the U.S. We have good professionals, but we don’t have an integrated common policy, and with cuts like this, there will be more problems in a system already strained.”

Carmona said the “opportunity cost” of decisions to cut care must be examined, both in Arizona and nationwide, and he asked, “What will it cost us in terms of the cost of putting more people in prisons and jails?” (Source: The Daily Beast)

It's not clear if Loughner was himself diagnosed as mental patient; however, from all accounts of friends and classmates, he was definitely disturbed and possibly should have been receiving the necessary medical care. For me, having had relatives diagnosed with mental illnesses, this is a very huge issue; some won't admit to this with their family members, but that's a problem in and of itself. I also have a very good friend and roommate from college who I've observed spiraling out of control over a number of years. He finally decided to get help after several stints which involved jail; and he now proudly admits to being schizophrenic, and is on medication living a "normal" life:

Political Rhetoric Didn't Pull the Trigger in Tuscon, Arizona; Jared Loughner Did

Jared Loughner

The last time I wrote about a "crazy-ass white dude" moment it involved an incident in Pittsburgh, where four cops were killed by, well, another crazy-ass white dude much like Jared Loughner. But you know, I've been quietly observing the discussions of this weekend's incident in Arizona without much to say until now. And having said that, for the record, let it be known that I think much of the "blame game" has been misguided; but to be expected since we as people often take the path of least resistance; and, critical thinking is a lost art.

Much of the blame for the actions of Jared Loughner points to the current political climate and the divisive, vitriolic rhetoric from talking heads, as well as politicians on the right side of the aisle. I believe this to be egregious and just down right intellectually lazy. You see, political rhetoric or Sarah Palin, has as much to do with the shooting in Tuscon, as did Saddam Hussein with the events of 9/11. But then I suppose every violent incident in urban communities and not "Lilly White Arizona" is directly motivated by Hip-Hop youth culture.

Arizona Bans Affirmative Action: One Step Closer to Whitopia

Being of Afro-Caribbean descent, and an immigrant to the United States, it's been pretty tough to watch the apathy of African Americans on the issue of immigration reform. Yeah I know the brown man came here voluntarily to work for a quarter while black folks were brought here against their will to work for free for 500yrs. While it's easy to make that distinction as justification, it's still a foolish one in my opinion.

I remember not too long ago when black folks were saying that Arizona's SB1070 anti-immigration bill wasn't our fight. Surely you remember the then hot button issue that was Arizona and it's quest to become the Whitopia of America because there were no cotton fields in the desert back in the day.

Well, I wonder what those very same black folks have to say today, now that Arizona has voted to ban Affirmative Action? Yep, guess what, black people? It's not all about those "criminal" Latinos.

This from insidehighered.com:

Voters in Arizona on Tuesday approved Proposition 107 banning the consideration of race, ethnicity or gender by units of state government, including public colleges and universities. With 2,075 of 2,239 precincts reporting as of early Wednesday morning, the measure had just under 60 percent support in unofficial state results.

Arizona joins California, Michigan, Nebraska and Washington State in imposing such bans. Only Colorado rejected a similar ban in a statewide vote. In the states of California and Michigan, the bans led to sharp drops in the admission and enrollment of black and Latino students at flagship universities, although those institutions have made progress since the initial votes in diversifying their student bodies through race-neutral methods. In those states, however, undergraduate admission to the state universities is highly competitive.

In Arizona, a populist approach to admissions means that all students who meet certain criteria are admitted – without consideration of race or ethnicity. As a result, university officials have said that undergraduate enrollments should not be affected. However, Arizona's universities – like most institutions – have many programs for minority students, some of which could be challenged. Just last August, for example, Arizona State University announced new summer fellowships in digital media for minority students.

I Think Arizona Governor Jan Brewer Smokes Crack

No seriously, I really think she does; or at least she did before her debate the other night. Nah man, c'mon, how you gonna say I'm full of shit? You cannot tell me that her behavior in the following clip isn't crackish:


OK, so maybe that was wrong of me to suggest that she was mentally impaired as a result of drug use. Maybe what we saw above was in fact her being her; and that would be, a Republican?

There's a common axiom that suggests that one should never debate or argue with a fool. Because when you do, they'll bring you down to their level and beat you with experience. With that said, I gotta ask: did she think her opponent was hip hop sensation 50 Tyson?

Speaking of which, checkout her reaction in true republican ideologue fashion when confronted with facts. Yeah, can someone call the Wonder Pets for Jan; obviously she's an animal in "twouble" in Arizona:


(H/T The Political Carnival)

Now we playing Jeopardy with the police! Answer quickly or go to jail!

By guest blogger Folk

A Lake County mother was arrested at a children’s splash park after her white shirt got wet. Now, she's suing the city of Tavares over her arrest. She told WFTV police took an embarrassing situation and turned it into discrimination.

A hot day in April at the Tavares splash park turned into Janet Lovett's own personal nightmare. She took her 7-year-old son to cool off, but before the day was done she found herself behind bars, facing an arrest record for obstruction of justice and resisting arrest without violence.

Now you might ask yourself how the hell can we go from having fun at a fvcking splash park where people get fvcking wet to going to fvcking jail? Well, let's continue.

A park employee asked Lovett to leave, because the white t-shirt she was wearing had become wet and her padded bra was showing. She says she left, but outside the park gate a police officer approached her and asked her for ID and her name.

“Very scared,” she said. “I've never been arrested before."
The police report indicates Lovett didn't give her name fast enough. The mom says she was scared and wanted to know why she was getting arrested.

Her padded bra was showing?!?!? She was asked to leave from a fvcking splash park because her padded bra was showing?!?!? Really!?!?! ...and then the Police immediately ask her what is her name and ID when she is trying to go to her car to cover up because it's considered indecent that her padded bra was showing at a splash park and the po-po arrest her because she didn't answer fast enough? Really?!?! What they aren't saying is that the defendant, Lovett, is not Caucasian. She is a Peruvian native (Hispanic / Latino to "Americans")! So...

Lovett is a U.S. citizen. The charges against her have since been dropped, but she still spent five hours in jail and paid a $1,500 fine.

The city of Tavares said it does not comment on pending litigation. The police chief told WFTV his officers operated within policy that day.

So let Folk get this straight, if you don't answer a police officer "fast enough" then you can be arrested?

 WTF is this, jeapordy!?!

Wachovia & Wells Fargo Financing Mexican Drug Cartels

So he wicked witch of the west, Arizona Governor Janet Brewer, recently asserted that most illegal immigrants are drug mules. A claim that she continues to stand by, and not repudiate; even in the face of fact checking, and liberal truth.

So, since she feels that way, and well because her truth is absolute, let's take a second to look at the current problem of drug smuggling and the border. Let's take a look at how most illegal immigrants who do smuggle drugs into the country are financed:


It would be truly interesting to find out if Brewer and Co. have shares in either Wachovia or Wells Fargo. Or, any other bank for that matter; because, well, most banks finance Mexican drug cartels, right?

I mean, if what what she believes is to to be accepted as truth, doesn't it stand to reason that these banks are just as culpable in said drug smuggling? No word on if she plans to do a commercial and ask banks to do their jobs. Well, because, you know, most Republicans are hypocrites like that.

Rep. Steve King (R-IA): By Default, Obama Favors The "Black Person"

So the ever popular racist xenophobic conservative, Rep. Steve King, was interviewed on the G. Gordon Liddy Show (didn't even know this quack Liddy was still alive) and the subject was Arizona's soon to be enacted immigration law. Oh yeah, I'm hearing Arizona's now working on another piece of legislation which targets the American-born children of undocumented immigrants for deportation. I'll get to that one in a bit, but until then, checkout what King had to say about Obama as a critic of Arizona's legislation:

"When you look at this administration, I'm offended by Eric Holder and the President also, their posture.  It looks like Eric Holder said that white people in America are cowards when it comes to race.  And I don't know what the basis of that is but I'm not a coward when it comes to that and I'm happy to talk about these things and I think we should.  But the President has demonstrated that he has a default mechanism in him that breaks down the side of race — on the side that favors the black person." (source)

OK, so here's the thing. If what King is saying is true about Eric Holder and Barack Obama. Then given the fact that the last 43 presidents have been white. Isn't it only "fair" that the current president's "default mechanism" works just as well as all previous presidents? You know, the ones who never favored the black person? I dunno, King may not be a coward as he says, but he sure is stupid. I mean, if Obama and Holder were white like the how ever many white opponents of this law, would that then make him a race traitor?

Pure F*ckery: Arizona Residents Think Elementary School Mural is "Too Black", & City Councilman Hates Diversity

I say the mural isn't black enough...

If you think you've stepped into a twilight zone, I would urge to read on:

In Prescott, Ariz., a new mural at Miller Valley Elementary School has caused an uproar. The mural shows a group of children of several races using "green" transportation methods. It appears to have struck a nerve among some Prescott residents.

The controversy started when comments made by Prescott City Councilman Steve Blair aired on his KYCA radio talk regarding the mural. On May 21, Blair said, "I am not a racist individual, but I will tell you depicting a black guy in the middle of that mural, based upon who's president of the United States today and based upon the history of this community when I grew up, we had four black families — who I have been very good friends with for years — to depict the biggest picture on that building as a black person, I would have to ask the question, 'Why?'"

Blair also admits that "whenever people start talking about diversity, it's a word [I] can't stand."

Oh, Arizona... It's like your stuck in your own version of the Middle Ages.  The only problem is, this is 2010.  With access to the internet, rapid globalization and easy access to so many different cultures and races of people, there's no excuse.  I mean, it's like your intentionally saying, "Yeah, we're a bunch of idiots.  But we don't care!  We want to have our own thing anyway!" 

Might I suggest you call it Stupidia? 

Many would argue that's what the damned problem is. Arizona does NOT have enough diversity, and that's why this is an issue. And let me tell you, that being overrun by Central Americans, mostly Mexican, does not a diverse state make. If the population in Prescott for black folks is less than half a percent, then the mural with the black child would be a perfect opportunity to EDUCATE.

Police refuses to arrest "illegal-looking" Latinos after they turned themselves in

Because democracy is what happens between elections. I applaud the efforts of the fine folks of the organization The Border Network for Human Rights for their actions in the above video. Whatever your stance in the immigration debate, it is important to remember that above all, this is an issue of human rights, as much as it is about breaking laws. Because believe it or not, we are all afforded equal protections under the law [read more].

Tennessee legislature commend Arizona's passing of racist anti-immigrant law

"Take me to another place, take me to another land, make me forget all that hurts me..." - Arrested Development (Tennessee)

So Tennessee's state legislators are spending tax payer dollars, in an effort to congratulate Arizona, for recently passing what amounts to racist anti-immigrant legislation. Now I'm all for giving props where props is due, but this one ain't it:

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Tennessee House has passed a resolution to commend Arizona on its tough new immigration law.

The chamber voted 67-25 on Monday to pass the resolution sponsored by Republican Rep. Joe Carr of Lascassas.

The measure congratulates Arizona lawmakers and Gov. Jan Brewer for "their actions to protect their citizens and the borders of our great nation."

The Arizona law requires authorities to question people about their immigration status if there's reason to suspect they're in the country illegally.

Democratic House Minority Leader Gary Odom of Nashville said Tennessee shouldn't become involved in the national controversy over the law and argued that the resolution could cause the state to lose hotel and convention business.

The resolution now heads for a Senate vote.

The state of Tennessee taking up a vote as they did on this bill, is reminiscent of those old photos of crowds of jovial white folks at one of those lynching scenes circa back-in-the-day. So no congratulatory "Thanks for being stand up bigots Arizona," or "Way to go sticking it to those Asians," Hallmark cards?

Hello, Mexico? Yes, this is Arizona, could you please send them there illegals back now?

So, um, if the "illegal" Mexicans are taking all the jobs? How come two years ago legislators in Arizona were scrambling to create a guest worker program of their own? How come they did this complete one hundred and eighty degree turnaround after enforcing strict immigration laws? I mean, what the fuck Arizona?


They even unsuccessfully tried to hire a "lost boy from Africa." So is that what happened, Arizona? Did you folks pass SB1070 to stick it to the Feds because they didn't approve your guest worker program? What, white folks aren't into picking cotton lettuce anymore? More importantly, who's picking the lettuce now?

Let's see what the good folks over at FoxBusiness has to say about this:

The most thorough study on the fiscal and economic impact of immigration was done by the non-partisan Texas Comptrollers’ Office in 2006, which showed Texas earned more in taxes and economic output from illegal immigrants than governments spent to provide services.

According to the Comptrollers’ office, state and local governments spent $1.16 billion to provide services like education, health care and safety, but raised an estimated $1.58 billion in tax revenues. Based on the data, the Texas taxpayer made a $424.7 million profit on its illegal immigrant population in 2006.

Fiscally, illegal immigrants contribute mostly to state and local coffers primarily through sales and property taxes, which are mostly unavoidable. A majority of illegal immigrants pay federal, state and local income tax as well - 50% to 75%, according the Congressional Budget office.

Figures found in studies such as Texas’ 2006 study, or another 2007 study by the CBO, which did a survey of all data for the past 30 years and concluded that fiscal impact of services provided to illegal immigrants “is mostly modest,” stands in contrast to political rhetoric that fueled the passage of Arizona SB1070.

Well damn, look at all them there jobs good white folks could be having; and, subsequently providing a positive impact on the economy. Huh? What? Black folks? Um, y'all tried than one out already; didn't turn out too good for us. And in spite of Rand Paul supporting Emancipation, but thinking it shouldn't apply to private plantation owners. Let's just say that we ain't going out like that for free, or even at the rates white folks refuse to work for. .

Latino Voter Suppression: Another look at the intent of Arizona's SB1070

I'm not going to take up much of your time with this one, and I won't repeat myself by saying that the law is indeed racist in nature, intent, and design. But a closer look at the law, raises serious questions as it relates to voter suppression. Now here on this very blog, I've already shown how the author of SB1070, Kris Kovach, once bragged to his Kansas Republican cronies by email, about purging the votes of minorities back in 2008.

Now, add to that, the report by the Brennan Center for Justice in 2008, which highlighted just how shrouded in secrecy and manipulation these practices are [read here]. With that in mind, journalist Greg Palast, makes a compelling case via truthout.com, that SB1070, has more to do with legal voters and their subsequent suppression, than the "problem" of "illegal" immigrants.

Check it out:



Now of course I expect the average republican party hardliner who reads this, to just chalk this up as yet another one of those "liberal media" mumbo-jumbo conspiracy pieces. Yes, that is just how life is out there in bizarro world; liberals lie, and conservatives are handed the truth from God everyday on 5000lb tablets and iPads. But hey, if Bush was able to steal the elections in 2000 down in Florida by purging minority votes. Who's to say that what they're cooking up out in Arizona, wouldn't work, like it did before in Florida?

Latino is the New Black: Republicans, the Hispanic Rift, & the Negro Enablers

As I've mentioned a time or two to the readers of this blog, I am an immigrant. I am the son of immigrants who migrated to this country back in the early 80s. I am the product of a family with four sons, of which three of them are college educated. I am the son of parents who they themselves sacrificed to further their education, at the collegiate level. Yes, I have something in common with the one in eight workers in this country; and that would be, I too was born on foreign soil. That said, it is why it is disappointing to me to hear the anti-immigration rhetoric from people who look like me.

People who like me, who are beneficiaries of the toils of many ethnic groups who coalesced, and formed the Civil Rights Movement. People who have forgotten the fact that said movement was not successful, were it not for collective activism of various ethnic groups and organizations. People who today, have stepped up a rung on the social ladder, only to look down on a class of people I now affectionately like to call: the new niggers. People who subscribe to the idea that like black folks once upon a time, Latinos are all criminals.

Yes, it's sad, but it is true; but, I remain buoyant to the prospect of black and brown folks coming together. Coming together in an effort to fight the very notion of our "unhuman-ness";  an idea perpetuated, and promoted by some within the dominant culture in the United States. An idea that fails to recognize that under the constitution of the United States, all people - legally documented or not - are offered the same protections, and granted certain inalienable rights.

Rachel Maddow demolishes the president of racist anti-immigration org F.A.I.R.

Remember when I told you a last year about the racist organization F.A.I.R., and how they were spending money to influence representatives with their anti-immigration message during the health care debate? Yep, back then they attempted to makeit impossible for  legal and documented immigrants, to obtain government subsidized health care for up to a 5yr period. Yep, remember that whole, Joe Wilson "You Lie" thing last year? Uh-huh, yeah, you probably don't remember that, I'm sure. But thanks to those assholes out in Arizona, and their "Juan Crow" law, and thanks to Rachel Maddow, these white supremacist are being exposed:



Did she own his ass, or what?!!

If you think Rachel's research and fact check breakdown is full of shit. Do yourself a favor and read what I wrote last year and just what I found out about the very same organization [read it here]. The truth is, comprehensive immigration reform will add 1.5 trillion to the economy over the next 10yrs, and should be encouraged.  Let's hope our elected officials get themselves together, and do the right thing in-spite of all the negative talk and aspirations of racist idiots the likes of the ass-hat interviewed by Maddow above. You know, the same people who say they're staunch constitutionalists, and are about freedom and equality?

It's a good idea to click and read all the embedded links in the post above.