Court makes right decision but American justice remains crooked… Yesterday, in a long overdue step in the right direction, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) abolished the death penalty – in cases involving juvenile defendants (children under the age of 18). This decision will give reprieve to about 70 death row inmates who… Read more.
Archives for 2005
Revolution! In the Middle East
Freedom Marchers! Two days ago, the Syrian puppet government of Lebanon fell under pressure from a galvanizing protest by Lebanese citizens screaming for independence and democratic reforms. The protesters were emboldened by the promise President Bush made in his State of the Union address to stand with those who rise up against totalitarian governments. They… Read more.
Bush’s Smiling Assassin Jailed – Indefinitely
Student Ahmed Abu Ali: Best (marksman / suicide bomber?) in his class An American, Ahmed Abu Ali, has been indicted by a federal prosecutor for allegedly conspiring to assassinate President Bush, conduct a terrorist attack and establish an al Qaeda cell in the United States. However, a great deal of controversy surrounds his (indefinite) detention… Read more.
Condoleeza Rice: Dressed to Thrill?
The outfit Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice wore to view American troops at the Wiesbaden Army Airfield last Wednesday had Washington all atwitter. Nothing about was inappropriate, mind you. Yet the leering whispers smacked of a live reading of Penthouse Forum. Frankly, the subliminal association of this sophisticated black woman with terms like “Political Dominatrix”,… Read more.
Last Word on Michael Jackson – Until Verdict
Yesterday, Rev. Jesse Jackson (remember him?) reared his opportunistic head to warn that Michael Jackson may not get a fair trial because there are no blacks on his jury. Unfortunately, this represents the nature of black political activism in America today. It’s only a matter of time before Rev. Al Sharpton, the Congressional Black Caucus… Read more.
Only Gays and Women Watch the Oscars! (Update)
I watched the Oscars last night. (But, before the title of this column leads anyone to queer assumptions, let me hasten to clarify that I tuned in for purely journalistic purposes.) And, I feel confident asserting that my original commentary was right on all points. Nevertheless, I failed to indicate that – sometimes – the… Read more.
The Pope Still Fighting: For his life and his own War on Terror
The Pope may be knock knock knocking on heaven’s door, but he’s still fighting the good fight and, evidently, with good humour. Nevertheless, the continuing terror of Catholic priests preying on innocents (especially boys) must anger and aggrieve His Holiness to biblical proportions. Last Friday, the Council of Catholic Bishops reported 1,092 new accusations of… Read more.
Peace Bombs in the Middle East
A suicide bomber struck in the heart of Tel Aviv last night killing 4 Israelis and wounding many others. Israeli Prime Minister Sharon promises restraint and Palestinian President Abbas vows swift justice. (Ironically, Israelis and Palestinians are both pointing fingers at Syrian-backed terrorists (Hezbollah) who they allege want to foment a permanent cycle of violence… Read more.
Europe: Bushywhipped!
Yesterday, President Bush completed his “How Ya Like Me Now?” tour of Europe. From Brussels to Bratislava, he lectured Europeans on the universal values of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights. And, in each case, he cited the liberation of Iraq as vindication of his uncompromising foreign policy. Indeed, Bush’s message was especially poignant,… Read more.
Oprah Presents: The Greatest Love Story?
By any standard, Oprah Winfrey is a pretty remarkable woman. But – as a Black woman – her success and influence are unprecedented. Therefore, it behooves all black women to be mindful of her Oprah Show séances and consider how Oprah might help them “live their best lives”. On 6 March, Oprah Winfrey presents Their… Read more.