Community Matters

(Community Matters) I was surprised it was mostly positive energy – women and their allies rallying FOR women’s rights, rather than against someone, or someones. The speakers’ words weren’t necessarily in sync with this view, but (and maybe I’m just being wistful) it’s what I felt from their words and among the thousands rallying at the State Capitol.

And, I was sympathetic for the blue-shirted, anti-abortion protesters quietly standing at the capitol’s gate on 11th St. At least those I saw, greeted with a smile, and looked in the eye. They were sad & hurt, and I didn’t see hate in their faces. It occurred to me, I wish they could understand the rally was for a women’s right to choose rather than a promotion of abortion. Perhaps it’s only obvious to us.

I do think certain political leaders foster, stoke and take advantage of each side’s fear, intentionally driving us further apart rather than together. Our Arab Spring appears on the horizon.

(Community Matters) We wonder why? . . . Of the 234 House Republicans, just four now represent districts that favor Democrats, according to data compiled by The Cook Political Report. Politico’s Playbook

That’s down from the 22 Republicans who resided in Democratic-friendly seats following the 2010 midterms, prior to the line-drawing. … After redistricting and the 2012 election, according to The Cook Political Report, the average Republican congressional district went from 73 percent white to 75 percent white. … A look at the numbers shows why there’s more incentive for House Democrats to get behind an immigration bill than Republicans. Nearly two-thirds of Republicans represent districts in which Hispanics make up less than one-tenth of the population, according to the American Community Survey. The number of House Democrats with such few Latinos in their districts? Fewer than one in three.” http://politi.co/15aafEV

(Community Matters) My friends in DC have all had dinner and/or drinks with me at the Tabard for years. Probably 75% of the time that I’ve stayed in DC since first joining the HRC board in 1994, I’ve stayed at the Tabard – I’d estimate  50 – 75 times over the 20 years (since I also love staying with the Cramers in Takoma). Story of family feud at Tabard Inn – I hope it survives; just wrote to find out more about employee buy out and how I might help. 

(Community Matters) Lying in bed last night, I realized, I am not prepared to assume a majority of GOP congressman won’t discuss and approve a logical replacement map for the Voting Rights Act. I choose not to believe legislators won’t protect the rights of all voters in states or counties with documented voter infringement troubles during the last decade. I suppose it’s now up to the President, House & Senate to show their leadership in this matter – this transcends parties.

(Community Matters) fingers crossed end of this week

(Community Matters) A deconstructionist – NYT: The Real John Roberts

(Community Matters) Much fun had by all and at such an appropriate venue to celebrate Joe Christie’s 80th.

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sorry missed pics of some friends including Jack & Patsy Martin. 

(Community Matters) how many firearms would you imagine are lost or stolen in the US each year?

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(Community Matters)  I haven’t been following the George Zimmerman trial and was not aware of Rachel Jeantel,  the Florida teen who was on the phone with Trayvon Martin when he was killed.

There’s evidently a significant conversation around Rachel’s testimony, not about its substance (or perhaps but that’s not what I’m reading), about her English, her obvious poor education and her looks. This essay in Ebony slams what its two Caribbean immigrant authors term as Black bourgeoisie disdain and commentors call self-loathing.

Salon notes (“the Smearing of Rachel Jeantel”) Rachel’s poor diction, hood-ish venacular and social media history are being used to discredit her by Zimmerman’s defense lawyers (as you’d expect of defense lawyers pursuing every avenue to exonerate their client) in front of an all white jury. I’m hoping the jury realizes it isn’t Ms. Jeantel on trial, nor even  the parents & social institutions failing kids like Rachel.

(Community Matters) Happy Birthday to one of my best friends, Joe Christie. 

I was an baby adult when I met Joe, probably only 30 or 31 years old. He’s been a mentor, close friend, one of my best friends and one of the best story tellers I’ve ever known. Through Joe I’ve spent evenings with his best friend Charlie Wilson, heard insider and public stories, learned more about politics from the former State senator and once US Senate candidate than from any other source, gotten involved with the McDonald Observatory, and I’ve gained an additional family. Joe & Tana were among the first and probably the most enthusiastic supporters of Steven. Here’s to a great man, husband, father, grandfather and friend . . .

Happy 80th Birthday, Joe

(Community Matters) “I have come to see the protection of gay marriage as a manifestation of the Jewish value of seeking justice for those who are enslaved. . . . . It is a vital, active imperative for the Jewish people to be on the front lines of issues protecting and promoting the rights of any group being treated unfairly.”

A moving op-ed supporting LGBT equality from Edgar M. Bronfman, former Chairman of the Seagram Co. Ltd and former President of the World Jewish Congress.