The Black KKK
Below I am posting an article by one of my favorite columnist--Jason Whitlock.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7499442?MSNHPHCP>1=10637
Taylor's death a grim reminder for us all
Jason Whitlock / FOXSports.com
Posted: 1 hour ago
There's a reason I call them the Black KKK. The pain, the fear and the destruction are all the same.
Someone who loved Sean Taylor is crying right now. The life they knew has been destroyed, an 18-month-old baby lost her father, and, if you're a black man living in America, you've been reminded once again that your life is in constant jeopardy of violent death.
The Black KKK claimed another victim, a high-profile professional football player with a checkered past this time.
No, we don't know for certain the circumstances surrounding Taylor's death. I could very well be proven wrong for engaging in this sort of aggressive speculation. But it's no different than if you saw a fat man fall to the ground clutching his chest. You'd assume a heart attack, and you'd know, no matter the cause, the man needed to lose weight.
Well, when shots are fired and a black man hits the pavement, there's every statistical reason to believe another black man pulled the trigger. That's not some negative, unfair stereotype. It's a reality we've been living with, tolerating and rationalizing for far too long.
When the traditional, white KKK lynched, terrorized and intimidated black folks at a slower rate than its modern-day dark-skinned replacement, at least we had the good sense to be outraged and in no mood to contemplate rationalizations or be fooled by distractions.
Our new millennium strategy is to pray the Black KKK goes away or ignores us. How's that working?
About as well as the attempt to shift attention away from this uniquely African-American crisis by focusing on an alleged injustice the white media allegedly perpetrated against Sean Taylor.
Within hours of his death, there was a story circulating that members of the black press were complaining that news outlets were disrespecting Taylor's victimhood by reporting on his troubled past
No disrespect to Taylor, but he controlled the way he would be remembered by the way he lived. His immature, undisciplined behavior with his employer, his run-ins with law enforcement, which included allegedly threatening a man with a loaded gun, and the fact a vehicle he owned was once sprayed with bullets are all pertinent details when you've been murdered.
Marcellus Wiley, a former NFL player, made the radio circuit Wednesday, singing the tune that athletes are targets. That was his explanation for the murders of Taylor and Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams and the armed robberies of NBA players Antoine Walker and Eddy Curry.
Really?
Let's cut through the bull(manure) and deal with reality. Black men are targets of black men. Period. Go check the coroner's office and talk with a police detective. These bullets aren't checking W-2s.
Rather than whine about white folks' insensitivity or reserve a special place of sorrow for rich athletes, we'd be better served mustering the kind of outrage and courage it took in the 1950s and 1960s to stop the white KKK from hanging black men from trees.
But we don't want to deal with ourselves. We take great joy in prescribing medicine to cure the hate in other people's hearts. Meanwhile, our self-hatred, on full display for the world to see, remains untreated, undiagnosed and unrepentant.
Our self-hatred has been set to music and reinforced by a pervasive culture that promotes a crab-in-barrel mentality.
You're damn straight I blame hip hop for playing a role in the genocide of American black men. When your leading causes of death and dysfunction are murder, ignorance and incarceration, there's no reason to give a free pass to a culture that celebrates murder, ignorance and incarceration.
Make your voice heard...
This story has touched off some very spirited debate. If you would like to join in, it is being discussed on our community page.
Of course there are other catalysts, but until we recapture the minds of black youth, convince them that it's not OK to "super man dat ho" and end any and every dispute by "cocking on your bitch," nothing will change.
Does a Soulja Boy want an education?
HBO did a fascinating documentary on Little Rock Central High School, the Arkansas school that required the National Guard so that nine black kids could attend in the 1950s. Fifty years later, the school is one of the nation's best in terms of funding and educational opportunities. It's 60 percent black and located in a poor black community.
Watch the documentary and ask yourself why nine poor kids in the '50s risked their lives to get a good education and a thousand poor black kids today ignore the opportunity that is served to them on a platter.
Blame drugs, blame Ronald Reagan, blame George Bush, blame it on the rain or whatever. There's only one group of people who can change the rotten, anti-education, pro-violence culture our kids have adopted. We have to do it.
According to reports, Sean Taylor had difficulty breaking free from the unsavory characters he associated with during his youth.
The "keepin' it real" mantra of hip hop is in direct defiance to evolution. There's always someone ready to tell you you're selling out if you move away from the immature and dangerous activities you used to do, you're selling out if you speak proper English, embrace education, dress like a grown man, do anything mainstream.
The Black KKK is enforcing the same crippling standards as its parent organization. It wants to keep black men in their place — uneducated, outside the mainstream and six feet deep.
In all likelihood, the Black Klan and its mentality buried Sean Taylor, and any black man or boy reading this could be next.
Young Democrats of Cook County Convention
On the weekend of July 13 & 14 come join the Young Democrats of Cook County will host the annual convention.
July 13 5:30 pm Pre-Convention Social/ Reception/ Party
July 13 10:30 am Convention
Both events will be held at the DePaul Center (Downtown), 1 E. Jackson, 11th Floor.
All are welcomed!!
P!nk - Dear Mr. President Offical Video
A song with a strong message
I was never a Pink fan before this song. However, as my parents embraced Marvin Gaye's What's Going On for it's social critique of the war movement, I believen this song may do the same for this generation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugH5MUNNL0c
Anderson on radio and TV this Sunday, June 10, 2007
Hey, this Sunday, June 11, 2007 I will be a guest on Beyond The Beltway. The show is a national political talk show, the website is
http://www.beyondthebeltway.com/. The host is an Emmy award winning journalist. The show will broadcast live on WLS-890 AM [CHICAGO],
http://www.wlsam.com/ has a live stream. The show airs from 6-8 PM. Please listen and take advantage of the call in segment. I will need all the help I can get ;-)
The first hour of the show is taped and airs on WYCC-20 at 10:30 PM on Sunday evening.
Wish me well and I welcome your critique.
Sen. Mike Jacobs wollops Gov. Blago
If you haven't heard the audio click the link. Sen. Jacobs from the Quad Cities area lights into Gov. Blago in an unprecendented way.
If this doesn't make you think politics is a fun spectator's sport then I don't know what is.
http://www.plasmamods.com/jacobsvsguv.mp3Here’s a full transcript of Jacobs exchange with reporters courtesy of Daily Herald Capitol staffer Nate Hoekstra.
JACOBS: What I've experienced in the last 24 hours with the governor of Illinois, to me, is highly disappointing. We can disagree, we can have moments where we don't even like each other, but there should never be a time when the governor of Illinois threatens someone in a political and personal manner.
It's beneath the decorum of this building. I don't know if you've ever had the governor of Illinois lean on you in his beautiful room, and get me to the point where, you know, I thought we were going to come to blows. I'm sure that's happened many times in this building, but what's unusual in this situation is the length the governor has gone to, to get his way. Look, I want education, that's what I want. The governor wants healthcare. We need to find a compromise, try to meet in the middle. But I am not going to ever allow anybody in this building to run over me and to threaten me and to talk about spending every dime they've got and calling every labor union and tell them they're going to go after me, calling my university president and (mumbles) taking the $14 million we agreed on last year away from me because I won't vote for what he wants.
A governor of Illinois should have higher ethical standards, and a governor of Illinois shouldn't be in a position where he has to say 'Senator, you do what I say or else.' Because he or she should have the ability to work with people and to have relationships with people. I'm just very disappointed. I've been around this game a long time and I've never had anybody ever speak to me in that manner. And the real fight for me is education. The governor told me that he's going to run people against me. Well, I've got news for the governor of Illinois: This senator is going to run against Gov. Rod Blagojevich if the governor is still there because this state is highly mismanaged. We're going the wrong way, we need to prioritize, we need to have a better budget system, we need to have better and stronger leadership.
I was highly disappointed by what the governor did today, and I'm kind of ashamed to be a citizen of Illinois right now.
REPORTER: What do you mean by a personal threat?
JACOBS: Personal threat was that he would wreck my political career, that he would do everything in his power to generate every dollar; I was with him or I was against him. It was very direct. I don't know if anyone's been threatened by the governor of Illinois in his office, but it's kind of a scary thing. I'm just a person like everybody else. I put on my pants just like the governor does. And I'll be damned if I'm gonna let a governor, or anybody, tell me how it's gonna be and if it doesn't go his way, that there's going to be major retribution.
REPORTER: Did he say who he would run against you?
JACOBS: No, you know, Scott, at this point, I don't even care. To me, it's not about running someone against me. For me, it's about the tone, the threat, the implicit threat that my life was going to have some bad. When the governor of Illinois tells you you're going to have some bad, you start thinking they'll use state resources. And if you don't think the man will, be aware that he called my (Western Illinois) university president, Dr. Goldfarb, this afternoon and told him that they just lost their university, and thank you Mike Jacobs. He had (Deputy Gov.) Sheila Nix call. You know, I don't know what kind of game we're playing here, but this should be a hall of gentlemen and gentlewomen, people who may fight for what they want, but we darn well better treat each other with respect. And the governor of Illinois has lost all respect. And if the governor wants a fight, I'll give him a fight, because the people of Illinois are sick and tired of Rod Blagojevich mismanaging this state, Democrats and Republicans alike.
REPORTER: What did he offer you?
JACOBS: He offered me $75 million for Western University. I want the university.
REPORTER: And that was in exchange for a vote for ...?
JACOBS: For the healthcare proposal today, and if I didn't vote for it, I was losing it. I didn't even get out of his office before I got a call from President Goldfarb, you know, so I don't think he was teasing. Hey, look, you know, politics is tough. Sometimes they take things away when you don't do what they want. I get that. Sometimes you get things when you do the right thing. But this is beyond the pale. This is beyond the pale. You know, I'm not a crybaby, I'm not the kind of person who's a high-minded government person, you know, that everything should be just beautiful. But I've been around long enough to know when someone is shaking me down.
Note: A Western Illinois University spokesman later said he was unaware of any threat made to the school’s funding by the Blagojevich administration. A spokeswoman for the governor said it was Jacobs who was trying to get money for the school in exchange for his vote and the governor rejected the trade.
REPORTER: Do you know if anybody else has gotten similar pressure?
JACOBS: I understand they have, but I don't know if they've extended the same kind of treatment that I've been granted. If this governor would have been in East Moline, Illinois in one of my local taverns, I'd would have kicked his tail end. And that's the bottom line. As an adult I'd probably have to sue him, I suppose, but he'd probably love that. So, you know, I just want to make it clear, I want to send a strong message, we can dislike each other in this building, we can disagree with each other, but at the end of the day we should act like mature adults. And I'm going to go away and let the three children in charge of this place figure out what the rest of us ought to do, and if they refuse to run this building, then I'm going to start working very closely with my Republican colleagues across the aisle and Democrats across the aisle, and Democrats across Illinois to make Illinois a stronger place. Five years, three years, four years ago, we were the third largest state in America, now we're the fifth, soon to be the sixth. And if we don't start creating jobs and opportunity, you can give them all the free healthcare they want, but nobody is ever going to be able to collect on it.
REPORTER: Senator, what changed your mind to vote against the health care amendment in the first place?
JACOBS: Actually, the $1.5 billion tax increase. It's a lot of money for an experiment, for tinkering. Some people suggested 'Senator, you know you can throw the bill over to the House and let the House take care of this,' Well, you know, OK, but I want to stay focused on what I found offensive, and that was not the message, but the tactics. It was beneath the governor of Illinois to do.
REPORTER: Earlier this year you said you would support a gross receipts tax if the governor promised you $75 million for Western. What has changed?
JACOBS: Well first off we don't have a gross receipts tax, so the taxes are different. Look, there are things I will and won't do. And I will help the governor when I'm able to, but I'm not going to sell out my principles or the principles of my caucus and the people of Illinois because I'm afraid of the governor of Illinois. I'm not going to do it.
REPORTER: How was the meeting, did it start out bad?
JACOBS: The governor was calm at first, he was waiting for my arrival, he knew I was coming. I sat down, like a person on my feet, and I represent 220,000 voters, I got here the same way most people did, I won an election, I sat down across the table and said "Mr. Governor, I have high respect for you, I've always helped you, I've always tried my best not to say really mean things about you, but governor I cannot do this for you,' and he blew up like a 10-year-old child. And if it had been my son I might have put him over my knee and spanked him, but I really don't even believe in spanking.
REPORTER: Was there any profanity involved?
JACOBS: There was a lot of profanity involved.
REPORTER: Both sides?
JACOBS: Not on my side, I tried to do my best to remain as calm as I could, because I was intimidated. I was a little scared. I mean, hey look, you got people sitting in there, I don't know who these people are. There's security everywhere in that room and I've got the governor doubling his fist and acting like he wants to punch me.
REPORTER: What exactly did he say?
JACOBS: I wish I'd have tape recorded it so I could play it for you. Just know this: It's not so much what he said, it's how he said it, the setting that he said it in, it was intimidating. And if any citizen of Illinois was ever treated in that manner ... I can see why he can't get what he wants, because you can't get what you want when you sit around and pout. You have to be a grown up and try to find compromise. He acted like a spoiled child who was not willing to compromise on anything. So if the governor of Illinois wants open warfare with me, if that's his goal, come have it son, come have it. And I'm just a normal person, I don't have any special thing, but I'll be darned if I'll let anyone run over me, it's not going to happen. These people know I'm not a high-minded guy, so I'm not trying to take some high ground, I'm just letting the governor know that if he wants to play this game, I'll play it with him.
REPORTER: Senator, would you seriously consider running against the governor?
JACOBS: Absolutely. Absolutely. This governor of Illinois has done a terrible job. I don't have any ambition to be governor of Illinois, but I do have ambition to help my community, help my state grow. We're going the wrong way. If the governor of Illinois is going to say, 'Look, Senator Jacobs, I'm running people against you because you won't do exactly what I say' well, then I'm going to run against him because he won't do what I say. You guys all work with this guy, you guys all work with him. You know what kind of person he is. He's untrustworthy, a man you can't believe. You know, if he wants a fight, I'll fight.
Labels: blagoevich, fight, governor, Illinois, jacobs, legislature, mike, overtime
YDA Job Posting
Young Democrats of America Employment Opportunity:
Director of State and Local Programs
The Young Democrats of America (YDA) is the nation’s largest youth-led, partisan political
organization. As the official youth arm of the Democratic Party since 1932, YDA builds strong localchapters to engage young people under the age of 36 in partisan politics, build a youth voting bloc for Democrats, and develop a new generation of progressive leaders. YDA has chartered chapters in 46 states and U.S. territories with over 1,500 local chapters. Our 150,000+ members – including middle school, high school and college students as well as young workers, young professionals and young families – reflects the broad diversity of our nation and the Democratic Party.
YDA’s national and state staff work with national, state, and local leaders across the country on peerto- peer young voter mobilization campaigns, issue advocacy, leadership and skills trainings, and other activities to grow sustainable chapters and build the national infrastructure of YDA.
Position: Director of State and Local Programs
Based in Washington, DC
Salary + Benefits: $50,000 to $60,000 annually (depending on experience).
Fully covered health/dental insurance, reimbursement for cell phone, and attendance to at least one conference/professional development opportunity.
Job Description: The Director of State and Local Programs is a senior-level position that reports
directly to the Executive Director. The Director of State and Local Programs is responsible for working with state and local chapters to build the long-term infrastructure of the Young Democrats. This position will work closely with the Political Director as well as YDA’s State Executive Directors.
The Director of State and Local Programs:
Oversees state and local programs to grow chapters, increase membership, and train
activists;
Manages state partnership application process and all related chapter building programs;
Develops strategy for long-term chapter growth and local organizational development;
Supports state staff and state elected officers on day-to-day operations and long-term
planning;
Serves as main point of contact for local chapter leaders;
Develops innovative program activities for state and local chapters;
Creates training and organizing materials and facilitates sharing of best practices; and
Attends and leads multiple national, regional, state, and local conferences and trainings.
Applicants should have at least 3-5 years experience in Democratic or progressive politics. Ideal applicant will have previous experience working for membership and/or affiliate based organizations.
Knowledge of YDA structure and chapters is helpful but not required. Youth organizing experience (professional or volunteer) is preferred.
Applicants should be detail-oriented, comfortable with multi-tasking, and able to work in a fast-paced office environment. Familiarity with online volunteer or membership management systems is a plus.
National travel is required. This position will eventually supervise additional staff. Minorities and women are strongly encouraged to apply.
TO APPLY: Please submit a resume, cover letter, and three references by 5:00pm EST on Friday, June 8, 2007 via email to jobs@yda.org.
Job Opportunity
I CAN NOT ATTEST TO THE ACCURACY OR AUTHENTICY OF THIS INFORMATION BUT IT CAME ACROSS MY DESK SO I WANT TO PASS IT ON.ComEd has commissioned the Dawson Skill Center to train electrical line men.
Com Ed has a severe shortage and wants Dawson to train candidates so they can have a pool to draw from. One must apply to get into the education program at Dawson.
It starts this August, so they must jump on it. Applicants have to call
773-451-2100 to get an application.
It's a 10-month program, you don't need any college and either Com Ed or one of its subsidiaries will hire you after successful completion of the program.You must be comfortable with heights, read and write at the 10th grade level, and pass a drug and criminal background check to get into the program. After successful completion and hiring, you start with $65,000 yr and elevate within 6 -8 months up to S100,000 with overtime. Pass this to your proteges and to your church mentors. They are specifically looking for diversity-- And where can you make $100,000 a year with no college degree? Heck, I have three degrees and I don't make 6- figures!!! So, pass this on -- to men and women!!!! A great opportunity-- Good Luck!!!!
Blacks vs. Gays
I am sure you heard about the Tim Hardaway controversey, what is going on? First the guy from Grey's Anatomy and now Tim Hardaway. Especially within the rubric of political coalitions Blacks and Homosexuals have an alliance. I am proud to say that alliance is usually manifested within the Democratic Party. Homosexuals often draw comparisons between their struggle and the African-American struggle for Civil Rights. While there are many divergent views on that subject I hope the latest episodes do not harm that delicate fabric that produces great leaders like Rep. Barney Frank and Sen. Barack Obama.
However, here is the quesiton. It is well known that the Black church by most accounts is a conservative institution. Do you think religous dogma makes African-Americans uncomfortable with homosexuality?
I got a new favorite
I don't know why but I discovered King of Queens via re-runs. It has become my favorite re-run show. What is your favorite show in syndication?
Career Day at EMPHI
My alma mater is having career day. Morgan Park High School seeks young professsionals to come and inspire the youth! If you are interested please call the Counselor Ms. Anne Richards at (773) 535-2550.
Career Day is Friday, March 30. The breakfast begins at 8 am and the last session concludes at 1 pm. I hope to see you there.
Come party with Heather Lewis
Heather is celebrating her 29th Birthday. Boy she is getting old! Well come to her Birthday gathering this Saturday, February 15. Heather lives on 34th & King Drive and the party begins at 8:00 pm.
Happy Birthday To Me!
Thank you to all my friends, family and colleagues who have called, left messages on facebook and myspace and generally have me in their prayers and wish me well.
Thanks.
Remembering James Brown
As we all know the Godfather of Soul James Brown died yesterday. I am very sad! I like James Brown, I like James Brown alot. I own a 4 CD James Brown anthology, I absolutely love the James Brown performance in the Blues Brothers and yes, I saw James Brown in concert. James Brown was getting older and I knew if I didn't see him back in 2002 I'd probably never see him.
I saw the show with my partner in bourgeoisie living, Andre Watkins. It was a great experience.
My Christmas!
My personal Santa Clause brought me a leather wallet, for those of you who know me you know I need a wallet bad! Also, I was presented with a monogrammed sterling silver cigar case, now that's classy!
How was your Christmas, let me know how it worked for you.
We had fun with the Bulls
On Saturday, December 23, 2006 "Friends of Kris Anderson" hosted a Bulls Game Fundraiser. It was a success. Thank you to all of you who purchased tickets and those of you who supported me.
There was so much demand for this event I plan to do it again in March. The day that interest me most is Tuesday, March 20 when the Bulls play the L.A. Clippers. If you are interested in buying tickets or being an event co-sponsor which means you'll purchase a minimum of 5 tickets please let me know ASAP. Even though the event is three (3) months from now I will purchase the tickets soon.
So, if you had a good time Saturday and you want to let everyone else know go ahead and post. If you want to be part of our next success let me know that too.
A Night Out With The Bulls
The Fundraiser which began 3 years ago is back. On December 23, 2006 join me and others as we go to root on the Chicago Bulls. Game time is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35.00. Please contact me if you have interest.
Don't Meet Me There Beat Me There!
Work a concession stand at Soldier's Field
Hello Fellow Young Democrats,
The Young Democrats of Cook County will be staffing a concession stand for all the Chicago Bears Home Games this season!!! In exchange, we will be raising money for our organization. This money will be used to purchase Christmas toys for the disadvantaged in December, assist with the purchasing of tools for our Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago project and many other upcoming community service activities YDCC plans to participate in as well as other scheduled activities during the year. We are looking for volunteers to help staff the concession stand on Sundays throughout the season. We are not asking that you commit to work every game but if you could help out with at least one game, it would be appreciated! In order to work at the concession stand, you must attend a mandatory training. All the information is listed below. If you have any questions or are interested in participating, please contact me at
ajamae@gmail.com or (773) 606-2210.
Thanks!
CHICAGO BEARS CONCESSION STAND TRAINING SUNDAY,
SEPTEMBER 10, 2006 10 a.m. @ Citizens for Todd Stroger Campaign Office 449 E. 35th Street
(You must 18 yrs. or older to volunteer!!)
Chicago Bears Home Games: 9/17 10/1 10/8 10/29 11/5 12/3 12/17 12/31
YOUNG DEMOCRATS OF COOK COUNTY www.cookcountyyd.com
Friends of Kris Anderson Event
My event is this Thursday, August 10, 2006. I'll see you there.
See you at the picnic
On Sunday, July 23, my eldest sister turns 22. Wish Elaine M. Anderson a Happy Birthday.
Also, on that day the 8th Ward Regular Democratic Organization will host it's annual picnic. This picnic will be the most important of my brief political career. All eyes will be on Todd Stroger, I am sure he will do well. But I encourage you all to come. There will not be a lot of pomp and circumstance, the sole purpose of this picnic is to have fun. There will be lots of food, games for kids, horse rides and other activities. So, I will see you there.
Green Lake Woods
159th Torrence (across from the River Oaks Shopping Mall)
10 am- 6 pm
I think I am an internet whore :-(
Guess who has a Myspace.com account? I haven't created an unique url but you can find me via my e-mail,
kristopherandersonyd@hotmail.com, my display name, KJ or my full name.
I hope they do not creat a new internet community!
Todd Stroger is the man!
Please support Ald. Stroger and his bid to be the Democratic nominee for the Cook County Board. 80 Committeeman/ Ward Bosses will meet this Tuesday to decide who will be the nominee. Todd Stroger is more than qualified and his advancement bodes well for the South Side, people of color and young people. Soon I will post his accomplishments and resume.
If you have an event in the months of Sept., Oct. or Nov. please let me know. Todd needs to introduce himself to the public at large and will be glad to meet you and your group.
YDI Bar-B-Q
Please attend YDI Bar-B-Q, Saturday, July 15.
At the home of State Rep. Lou Lang, 9350 Central Park Ave, Skokie, IL 60076.
Please join us for a good time.
Go to a museum!
What did I do over my Spring Break? I got educated. I visited the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum and I encourage all of my friends to do the same.
The feature exhibit is "
The African Presence in Mexico", From Yanga to the Present. I never knew there was an African presence in Mexico. This is untrue. Similar to Puerto Rico some slave ship landed in Mexico and shortly thereafter a new people came forth. I'll provide you with some teasers...
* The song Llabamba made famous by Richie Valens is an African-Mexican folk song.
** The resort city of Aculpoco is next to a state within Mexico that has a large population of African-Mexicans. Most people assume these people are dark because of exposure to the sun,
UNTRUE.
Well I hope you visit.
Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum
1852 W. 19th Street
Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 738-1503
www.mfacmchicago.org
Young Democrats Downstate
Downstate YD's are participating in this election cycle in full force. Ty Bates of County is campaigning to be a member of the Marion County Board. As a member of the County Board Ty will help establish a budget and oversee county government. This is an awesome responsibility and Ty Bates is an awesome candidate. He is bright, educated and a hard-worker. He is a correctional officer and wants to do much to stop young people from entering prison system. Also, he is a family man, he and his wife, Carrie are the proud parents of a beautiful little girl. (Like a good Democrat he named his daughter Kennedy).
I ask all my readers and supporters to donate to Ty. A few dollars go a long way, especially in Southern Illinois :-). A $10. or $25. check will help Ty greatly. Be a good Democrat and help a Young Democrat.
Citizens for Ty J. Bates
718 Fulton Drive
Centralia, IL 62801
tybates@yahoo.com
Interesting newspiece. Is it cosmetic surgery or mutilation?
Dad sues to block son's circumcision
June 13, 2006
BY
STEVE PATTERSON Staff Reporter
An Arlington Heights father will appear in court today to fight what he says is a plan to "mutilate" his 8-year-old son by circumcising him.
The boy's mother argues that without circumcision his recurring infections will only get worse.
The divorced couple is embroiled in a bitter fight that will see national experts flying in to testify before a Cook County judge. Their battle reflects a national debate on circumcision -- a procedure that has dropped in popularity in the United States over the last 25 years.
Most U.S. boys get surgery, but percentage dropping
The United States continues to lead the world in circumcisions; 1.12 million American baby boys were circumcised in 2003.
Much of that is attributed to cultural and social norms. But in the last 10 years, the percentage of boys circumcised has been dropping and is at its lowest since at least the 1970s. In 2003, 55.9 percent of male babies were circumcised -- down from a high of 64.7 percent in 1980, the National Center for Health Statistics says.
Part of that is attributed to economics, because some insurance policies don't pay for circumcisions -- especially since the American Academy of Pediatrics said the benefits of circumcision are not significant enough to label it as medically necessary.
Studies have cited a decreased risk of infections, injuries and penile cancer in those who are circumcised. But studies also have shown that circumcised babies have a risk for infection and injury by abrasion to the sensitive skin.
"My child is healthy and he doesn't want this to happen to him," the father said. "He's completely comfortable. I don't see any reason to do it."
But the boy's mother, who lives in Northbrook, said several doctors have told her that without circumcision earlier infections are likely to continue returning.
"Curing the infection isn't the issue -- it's stopping it from coming back. And the doctors have said the way to do that is by circumcision," said her attorney, Tracy Rizzo. "But now, [the father] has made this more of a political issue and nothing to do with medicine."
The couple -- he's a Polish native, she's Slovak -- married in 1996 and divorced in 2000.
The divorce decree gives the father input on major medical decisions. In February, a judge was asked to intervene and a restraining order was granted, preventing the mother from having the boy circumcised until after today's hearing.
Dr. Antonio Chaviano of Children's Memorial Hospital said fewer U.S. boys are being circumcised at birth, but it's even more rare to see the procedure done on an older boy.
Chaviano was not familiar with the 8-year-old's case, but acknowledged that sometimes circumcision is medically necessary for older boys. But he saw no reason for a boy to undergo the procedure if it wasn't needed. "You're opening a real Pandora's box," he said.
Those on both sides of the issue cite studies showing risks for infections and injuries. In a 1999 study, the American Academy of Pediatrics found no overwhelming evidence to support or oppose circumcision.
Attorneys for the father, Alan Toback and John D'Arco, are working with Georgia attorney David Llewellyn, whose expertise is circumcision cases. "Given [the boy's] age and the absolute lack of any medical necessity, any benefit to the child ... is far outweighed by the detriments," Toback said.
But Rizzo, attorney for the boy's mother, says medicine and proper cleaning instructions have not helped her son -- and the mother insists circumcision is needed.
Rizzo says the father repeatedly misses child-support payments and is opposed to his ex-wife's new marriage -- a claim the father denies.
"She just cares about her child," Rizzo said, "and wants to give him the best medical care necessary."
spatterson@suntimes.com
Congratulations to Aja Jackson
Ms. Aja Jackson, 8th Ward Young Democrat extrodinairre was accepted to the IWIL (Illinois Women's Institute for Leadership) program. We are very proud of Aja.
Young Democrats of Cook County Events
Please mark your calendars accordingly. The following are YDCC events, I hope to see you there.
YDCC Convention
Chicago Mart Holiday Inn
350 N. Orleans
June 24, 2006
Call Omar Williams (312) 296-4071
2nd Annual YDCC Picnic
Sunset Bridge Meadow
North Ave./ 1st Ave. Near Des Plaines Rives
Aug. 6, 2006
Call Tommy Hendrix, Jr. 312-520-4216
Who wants to live on Sesame Street
My good friend, Jennifer Poole (aka Big Bird) is a land baroness. She owns a home in the historic Englewood area. Many think this area is the next Bronzeville. She lives in a BRICK two-flat on 69th and Racine. The first floor is for rent! You can be the renter of this fine establishment for less than $800. per month. (I will provide pictures at a later date.)
Section 8 accepted.
If you are interested e-mail her,
jpoole105@yahoo.com.
An oppressed people
I never knew Albinos were portrayed in such a negative way. Let me know what you think.
Albinos condemn 'Da Vinci' assassin
DAVID GERMAIN-Associated Press
LOS ANGELES -
The notion of Christ as a family man is not the only raw nerve "The Da Vinci Code" has touched. Albinos are bothered that one of their own has yet again been depicted as a villain.
Dan Brown's best seller begins its worldwide debut Wednesday with Tom Hanks as the cryptologist pursuing a 2,000-year-old mystery that could reveal Jesus and Mary Magdalene were married and that the Vatican covered it up.
Among his co-stars is Paul Bettany, the British actor playing monk-assassin Silas, an albino with red eyes who carries out a series of bloody murders to secure the secret of the Holy Grail, a trove of lost Christian documents that could prove Jesus had wed.
Critics cite a long list of albinos cast as heavies by Hollywood: The dreadlocked twins in "The Matrix Reloaded," a powder-haired hit man in the Chevy Chase-Goldie Hawn crime romp "Foul Play," the pasty zombies in "The Omega Man," a sadistic killer in "Cold Mountain," even the wicked executioner in the fairy-tale comedy "The Princess Bride."
Michael McGowan, an albino who heads the National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation, said "The Da Vinci Code" will be the 68th movie since 1960 to feature an evil albino.
"Silas is just the latest in a long string," McGowan said. "The problem is there has been no balance. There are no realistic, sympathetic or heroic characters with albinism that you can find in movies or popular culture."
People with albinism have little or no pigmentation in their skin, eyes and hair.
McGowan said his group asked "Da Vinci Code" director Ron Howard's production outfit, Imagine Entertainment, not to bleach Silas' hair or make his eyes red, but "that fell on deaf ears."
When offered the role, Bettany initially thought mainly of the makeup challenge, saying past attempts to lighten non-albino actors' pigmentation had not looked realistic.
Bettany said he looked at Silas not as an evil albino but as a man damaged by his harsh upbringing. In the book, Silas was an abused child who wound up on the streets, was scorned as an outcast, turned to violence and landed in prison.
"I thought, this man's a psychopath, and he's not a psychopath because he's an albino," Bettany said. "He's an amalgamation of everything that sort of happened to him in his life. How his father treated him and the things he saw his father do to his mother, and he happens to be preternaturally gifted at hurting people. ...
"I think it's no more a comment on albinos than it is on monks, and no more a comment on monks than it is on people who wear sandals," Bettany said.
Many readers found Silas a tragic character despite his misdeeds, viewing him more as a lost sheep than a villain.
McGowan said his group plans no boycotts or picketing. Instead, the group aims to use the movie's popularity to raise awareness about the realities of albinism. He said he enjoyed most of the book and plans to see the movie.
"We understand that millions read it and when they go to the movie, they're going to want to see the albino monk-assassin," McGowan said. "It's the cumulative effect of having one evil albino character after another that was disturbing to me."
Come take a walk with me
Saturday, May 20, the 8th Ward Young Democrats are hosting a Diabetes Walk. Come take a walk for your health and learn about the disease and the havoc it is wreaking in communities of color.
Care Packages
Thank you friends for helping me in my time of need. FINALS are over! Let's hope the raisins and cans of soup produced some A's.
So, Rose; Kim; Natomi and Jennifer P. thank you from the bottom of my heart.
For the rest of you slackers you can learn something from these ladies! :-)
Who gets to ride in the bulletproof limo?
If I become important and you want to roll in the motorcade with the police bikes and Suburbans do your duty. So far, only Rose and Kim get to ride. Why, do yo ask? Because they are the only ones who have sent me a care package! Rose was the first and she was unsolicited. Kim has proved her worth, between my two REAL friends I have received tuna, almonds, Munchies (c), soup, candle, raisins and other goodies. So, you have until my last Fri, May 12, to make your heartfelt contributions, :-)
~I know what you are thinking, just like a politician, hun.
Help me write my biography
Now, this is a good study break. Please click on link,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristopher_Anderson. You can help me author my biography. What else should I put? All ideas are welcomed.
I am getting my first package
A little birdy told me I am getting my frist package on Wed. Hey, ask and you shall recieve, you can't argue with that!
The more important thing is this package is unsolicited. It comes from a caring soul who happened to see that I am in need and chose to come to my rescue, so I am very thankful for that.
I am happier than you know.
Others have asked what else to send, so I will give you more ideas: graham crackers; granola bars; animal crackers; Chunky soup (no pork please); cans of soda; canned vegetables- spinach, greens, corn; trail mix; cheese crackers; dried fruit- raisins, apricots, pineapples, banana chips; flavored tuna- sweet & spicy, in sunflower oil, you all get the point!
S-O-S
Rescue me! This is my general plea during my FINALS period. First and foremost, pray for me. Ask God to give me recall and stamina. I dread the forthcoming two weeks. Second, for any of you that wish to send a care package allow me to provide my address :-). I thank you in advance.
What to send, well whatever you like it is all appreciated. (Microwave popcorn, no-doz, beef jerky, canned fruit, nuts, tuna in the packet, crackers, cracker-jacks etc.).
So, here it goes...
Kristopher J. Anderson MC 614
Student
University of Illinois-College of Law
504 E. Pennsylvania Ave.
Champaign, IL 61820
A little legalese
Blockbusting
For profit to induce or attempt to induce any person to sell or rent any dwelling by representations regarding the entry or prospective entry into the neighborhood of a person or persons of a particular race, color, religion, or national origin."
For instance, a real estate broker tells a white family "darkies are coming" and the white family sells slightly lower than the market rate in order to avoid the impending bottoming of the housing market because minorities are coming. However, the real estate broker now sells to a minority family but at a higher than normal rate making claims that the neighborhood is integrating and the high price is the surcharge one pays to move in an integrated neighborhood.
The real estate agent is performing market arbitrage and keeps all profits. Needless to say such actions are now illegal 42 USC Sec. 3604(e).
Election time at the law school
The Black Law Student Association (BLSA) will host elections soon. The nomination process is complicated. Anyone may be nominated for any position. The nomination must be seconded and the nomination must be accepted by the nominee. Thus far, I have been nominated and seconded for the position of president and vice-president.
I think I will accept the post of vice-president. There was another gentleman nominated. I wish him well.
The post of VP is very encompassing. The VP runs the general body meeting and plans the BLSA banquet. I think I have the skills to do both. I have run many YD meetings and planned numerous events, I think the position is a good compliment for me.
