Scott Matusick Claims Interracial Dating Led to Termination from Erie County (NY) Water Authority

Scott Matusick files discrimination lawsuit against Erie County, NY, Water Authority, saying he was terminated due to interracial relationship with black woman.

Scott Matusick has accused the Erie County (NY) Water Authority of discrimination in a federal lawsuit. He was fired in April 2006 and claims the firing was in retaliation for his interracial relationship with Anita Sparks, a black woman, according to the Buffalo News. Matusick, who began working at the Water Authority in 1993, said he never experienced any problems with his coworkers or supervisors until 2004, when he started dating Sparks, who he later married.

After his co-workers knew about the relationship, he was subjected to crude racist remarks and harassment from more than a dozen co-workers for two years, according to Matusick. He said some frequently used the "n-word" in his presence, and he claims his complaints to superiors went nowhere.

Matusick was fired in April 2006, and he claims in a federal lawsuit that the firing was in retaliation for his interracial relationship with Starks, whom he since has married. His lawsuit seeks to paint a disturbing picture of a government agency that has responsibility for a vital community service — providing water to more than 550,000 area homes, businesses and other customers. The Water Authority's response is that Matusick is lying and that none of his allegations should be believed.

"The allegations by Mr. Matusick are a desperate attempt by a disgruntled former employee to extract money from the [Water Authority]," the agency said in a written statement to The Buffalo News. "This matter is currently in litigation, so we cannot respond to each specific allegation, other than to say they are baseless and without merit." Source: Buffalo News

It will be very interesting to see how this is played out in court. It should be noted that Mr. Matusick has a less than stellar track record at the Water Authority, which makes his assertions questionable. According to the Buffalo News, he admitted in court papers that, on occasion, he slept on the job, which led to his termination, and also admitted that he was one of the dispatchers who used the black box to block the camera's view. He was also fired for failing to properly respond to two emergency calls from citizens, according to the Buffalo News.

Read more: Worker Claims Interracial Dating Led to Firing | Buffalo News

Fiachra O'Luain, Who Has Ties to Massachusetts, Injured in Israeli Commando Raid on Gaza-Bound Flotilla

Man with ties to Massachusetts, Fiachra O'Luain, injured in Israeli commando raid of Gaza-bound flotilla.

Fiachra O'Luain, a man with ties to Brewster, Ma., was injured and is in police custody after Israeli commandos waged a deadly nightime raid on a flotilla of ships carrying activists trying to get supplies into the blockaded Gaza Strip. According to the Boston Herald,  Brewster resident Joseph Bangert said he learned via Facebook this morning that his son was being interrogated by Israeli officials. Local activists are also claiming that a Bay State woman, Katherine E. Sheetz, was also on the flotilla. The commandos killed nine and dozens are wounded, along with six Israeli soldiers.

Read more:  Man With Ties to Cape Injured in Israeli Attack | Boston Herald

Nicholas Fomby-Davis, 14, Murdered by Two Suspected Gang Members on Public Street in Dorchester, Mass.

Nicholas Fomby-Davis, 14, pulled off his scooter and murdered by two suspected gang members in Dorchester, Ma.

Gang violence reportedly claims the life of Nicholas Fomby-Davis, 14, of Dorchester, Ma. According to the Boston Herald, Boston Police Commissioner Edward Davis said Fomby-Davis was wrenched off his scooter on a public street before sunset by two suspected gang members. He was reportedly held down by one and repeatedly shot in the chest by another, Davis said.  It is unclear whether or not the victim knew his attackers, but there is no evidence that he was connected with any gangs in the area. Gangs are wreaking havoc in neighborhoods across this country. This kid did not deserve to have his life snatched away by a bunch of ruthless thugs. The dirtbags in custody for this heinous act have been identified as Crisostomo Lopes, 20 and a 16 year old male, both Dorchester residents. According to the Boston Herald, the two were arrested just feet from the scene of the crime by Officer Anthony Williams, a gang unit officer who was patrolling in an unmarked car and noticed the pair acting suspiciously.

Read more:  Police Commissioner Davis: Gang Unit Saw Murder of 14 Year Old | Boston Herald

Arlington Superintendent Jack Metzler, Jr. to Retire, Amid Army Probe of Missing Black Civil War Soldiers' Graves

Arlington National Cemetery Superintendent Jack Metzler Jr., to retire July 2, amid investigation into misplaced graves of black civil war soldiers.

Jack Metzler Jr., Arlington National Cemetery's superintendent will retire July 2, ending a tenure dotted with historical achievements and marred with controversy. A Salon.com series uncovered misplaced graves, unidentified bodies and messy record-keeping at Arlington, under Metzler's watch. The Army, which operates this historic cemetery, has launched an investigation into what has been called "lost accountability." Though mainly Metzler's subordinates were the subject of the Salon series, he did not escape sharp criticism.  To that he said, "About a fourth is somewhat factual, and the rest isn't even close," the superintendent said. "Nobody here is doing anything malicious. ... Sure, mistakes get made. ... Does anyone run a perfect organization?" It should also be noted that he has been interviewed on many occasions by interviewers, but Army Secretary John McHugh never called for his resignation.

Here's an interesting take on his tenure by AOL News, which shows that Salon wasn't the first media outlet to scrutinize his actions:

Expansion.When Metzler championed expanding the cemetery to avoid running out of burial space by 2025, environmentalists and historic preservationists howled. He kept pushing, though, to raze the nearby Navy Annex to eventually add more than 70 acres that will allow burials for another 50 years.

Waivers. When U.S. ambassador to Switzerland Larry Lawrence, a major contributor to Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential campaign, died in 1996, his widow asked that he be buried in Arlington based on his claim of being wounded in combat on a Merchant Marine vessel in World War II. When the Army failed to turn up his records, it granted a waiver. Only later did it surface that the story was fake, leading to congressional hearings and a government probe. Lawrence's remains were eventually disinterred.

"Before that, we took people's word" about military service, said Metzler, who emerged from the scandal mostly unscathed. "It taught us we couldn't take anything for granted."

Tomb of the Unknowns. Soon after Lawrence was dug up, stories surfaced that the identity of the Vietnam service member in the Tomb of the Unknowns might be known. When Pentagon officials decided to unseal the tomb to conduct DNA tests, Metzler called in the firm that originally built the historic sarcophagus.

"We didn't know if we could actually do it. It was not built to be reopened," he said. "There was a lot of stress with everyone to do the job quickly, to do the job without damaging anything and obviously to get the remains out intact. We had some real unknowns. We just didn't know how we were going to proceed with this, and all this happened in a matter of 12 hours."

Workers toiled overnight to remove the remains -- without incident -- in time for the exhumationceremony on May 14, 1998. They were later identified as those of Air Force 1st Lt. Michael J. Blassie. The Pentagon announced that the Vietnam crypt would remain empty.

It's time for a changing of the guard and Jack Metzler's replacement must correct the myriad of problems created under his watch. The disappearance of the graves of black Civil War soldiers is a slap to the men and the sacrifices they made for this country.

Musicians, Including Kanye West, Boycott Arizona to Protest Anti-Immigration Law

A group of musicians, including Kanye West, Cypress Hill  and Sonic Youth, have signed onto the Sound Strike, a movement to boycott the state of Arizona over its controversial anti-immigration legislation, also know as SB 1070, which calls for racial profiling. The movement was organized by Zack de la Rocha, frontman for Rage Against the Machine.

"Fans of our music, our stories, our films and our words can be pulled over and harassed every day because they are brown or black, or for the way they speak, or for the music they listen to," de la Rocha wrote in a press release announcing the strike. "We are asking artists the world over to stand with us, and not allow our collective economic power to be used to aid and abet civil and human rights violations that will be caused by Arizona's odious law."

Read more:  Musicians Boycott Arizona to Protest Immigration Law | CBS News

Israeli Commandos Storm Pro-Palestinian Aid Flotilla, At Least 10 Dead

Israeli naval commandos stormed a flotilla of ships carrying aid and pro-Palestinian activists to the blockaded Gaza Strip Monday. At least 10 passengers were killed. The incident has sparked worldwide condemnation and a diplomatic crisis is looming. The Israeli commandos claim they were attacked with knives, clubs and live fire from two pistols, wrestled from soldiers after they rappelled on board one of the vessels from a helicopter. Seems that the pro-Palestinians were out-gunned, so this was a one-sided fight at best.

Read more: Deaths as Israeli forces storm Gaza aid ship | BBC News

Lang Sias, Denver Republican Congressional Candidate, Hasn't Voted Since 2000

Isn't it hypocritical to run for public office and have a record of not voting in elections? Well a political flip-flopper, like Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA), former Democrat Lang Sias, who lives in Denver's 2nd Congressional district, hasn't voted since 2000 and is running for Congress in the nearby 7th District as a Republican. According to the Denver Post, his supporters tout his unorthodox political resume, a stellar military record, among other things, makes him the perfect person for the job. The reality is that his political record should be bothersome to the voters in his district. If you can't take the time to vote in so many years, how can you be trusted to work for the people of your district, including voting in Congress on the issues that affect them most? Sias and his opponent,  Aurora City Councilman Ryan Frazier, are in a battle to unseat U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D) in November.

Secretary of state records show Sias in 2000 registered as an unaffiliated voter, became a Democrat in 2003, switched back to unaffiliated in 2006, and registered as a Republican on Dec. 3, 2007. He donated $250 to the re-election campaign of then-U.S. Rep. Mark Udall in 2002. Sias addressed his previous party affiliation when he announced his candidacy last December. "Try as I did to fit myself into that party, I just couldn't get comfortable," he said. Secretary of state records also show Sias hasn't voted since 2000. Source: Denver Post

His voting record speaks for itself and it doesn't matter what other niceties he brings to the table. If you can't vote in an election, then how can you be trusted to vote in Congress on the issues that affect your constituency? Voting is the privilege of a democracy and I am mystified as to why people don't take this right more seriously, especially someone who is seeking the votes of others to represent a Congressional district in Washington D.C. He didn't care to exercise this right, why should others do it for him?

Stand-Off of Sorts Occurs Between Press & NOI's Louis Farrakhan's Security Detail in Obama's Chicago Neighborhood

A stand-off of sorts occurred outside a Chicago-area home where the Obamas were attending a barbecue, between the U.S. Secret Service, the members of the press and Nation of Islam's leader  Louis Farrakhan's security detail. President Obama's friend, Marty Nesbitt, lives across the street from the home of Louis Farrakhan, described as ornate yellow-gold. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, a pool report noted:

As a dozen reporters and photographers following Obama stood on the sidewalk in front of Farrakhan’s home, someone’s foot touched the city-owned curbside grass. Immediately, a polite man in jeans and T-Shirt emerged to ask the press to stay off the grass, the report stated. Soon he was pacing and talking on a cell phone. He went inside the mansion’s black wrought iron fence, crossed the well-landscaped yard, lifted a water bucket behind rose bushes and retrieved a walkie-talkie. He was heard to refer to “the CIA.”

Soon he approached the secret service agent minding the press and asked him to move the van and its occupants. “How is this a security breach?” the agent asked. He asked if the house was government property. Neighbors all over Hyde Park and Kenwood have learned to deal with streets being blocked off and having to show ID to approach their own homes since Obama ascended to the presidency.

The man said something else and at that point the agent stuck out his hand to shake hands and introduced himself as a Secret Service agent. He added, “Sir, I can assure you that we will do nothing to interfere with whatever is going on in there.” The man paced and talked on his cell phone, walkie-talkie in hand. Three more men in T-Shirts reading “Wide or Die!’’ joined the man from the Nation of Islam. A reporter asked one of the men if this was Farrakhan’s house. The man just stared back. Asked again, he said, “I don't have no comment.”

Eventually a dozen “Fruit of Islam” agents arrived. As each casually dressed man arrived, he exchanged elaborate handshake/hug/double air-kisses with others. Two walked by a reporter, chanting “Islam.” Source: Sun-Times

It's safe to say, this wasn't the first time the Obamas have visited their friend's home, so it's really ironic that Louis Farrakhan and his goons could have an issue and engage in such petty behavior. What's equally ironic is that the "Fruit of Islam" security personnel, reportedly filmed and photographed the reporters, the van and its license plates their cell phones. Oooh, I am sure they were scared. Give me a break. This was much ado about nothing or maybe Farrakhan was mad he wasn't invited to this chowdown.

Carl D'Andre Johnson, 48, Becomes the 10th Person to Die in Maryland Since 2004 After Jolt from Taser

Carl D'Andre Johnson, a resident of Windsor Mill, became the 10th person to die in Maryland since 2004 from being tasered, state officials have disclosed. Johnson, 48, was an accomplished architect and his brother told the Baltimore Sun, that he was not the type of person who would challenge police officers. It is a mystery why he died after being shocked by an electronic stun-gun. Baltimore County police have said he got into a fight with officers Thursday after crashing his pickup truck near a busy highway interchanged and continued to fight after being a dose of pepper spray and an Taser, according to the Baltimore Sun. He lost consciousness after he was jolted a second time and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Read more: Architect, 48, dies after police struggle leads to Taser use | Baltimore Sun

Hispanic Chicago Aldermen Introduce Resolution to Ban Red-Light Cameras Installed by Arizona Company

Hispanic aldermen from Chicago are pushing for a boycott of just about everything from Arizona, that includes the city's 189 red-light cameras that were installed by Arizona-based Redflex Traffic Systems, which installed the cameras and road sensors. The company also operates the software and mails out the $100 tickets along with photographic evidence of the alleged red-light traffic violation, according to the Chicago Sun Times. The city signed a five-year $52 million contract with Redflex in 2008.

In 2008, the Daley administration signed a five-year, $52 million contract with Redflex that cut the cost of each camera system from $100,000 to $24,500. It also included maintenance for cameras installed after Oct. 22, 2008. But the "proprietary nature of the technology" kept the city from including operations and maintenance for the 136 original camera systems. That's why Redflex has a separate five-year, $32 million contract just to maintain those 136. Chicago's Hispanic aldermen have introduced two resolutions responding to Arizona's immigration crackdown. One would condemn an Arizona law they view as "racist." The other calls for a boycott. City Council hearings have not yet been scheduled.

Ald. Roberto Maldonado (26th) acknowledged that the push to boycott Arizona companies might not be financially feasible even after 2013, when the Redflex contracts are due to expire. "The idea is to boycott Arizona with the expectation that it will hurt them financially, not to do the reverse," Maldonado said. "To the extent it's gonna hurt us, it wouldn't make any sense." Source: Sun Times

It will be very interesting to see how this plays out in Chicago in the coming weeks. Though I agree that something drastic must be done to stem the flow of illegal immigrants, racial profiling will occur and lead to lawsuits, which could cost the state millions.

Gary Coleman Dies After Suffering Intracranial Hemorrhage, He was 42

RIP Gary Coleman. You will remember him as Arnold in the 1980s hit sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes." He reportedly fell at his home in Utah and sustained head injuries earlier this week and has been on life support since Thursday.

Gary’s wife, Shannon, made the decision to pull life support early this AM.

[TMZ was] told Coleman died at 12:05 PM MST. He died of a intracranial hemorrhage. Source: TMZ

Gary Coleman was 42 years old. Boy, it seems like a lot of bad karma has followed that show -- Dana Plato committed suicide and her son also committed suicide recently. Todd Bridges has had his share of run-ins with the law and Gary Coleman also has some brushes with the law, as well as a whole host of other troubles.

Sorry, but am I the only one who thinks Gary Coleman's death is a little suspicious, given the history of domestic violence between the two? His wife, Shannon, was previously arrested for domestic violence against him and she pleaded guilty. Why has an investigation been launched? Seems a little fishy to me.

Rumors Swirl About Jamaican Druglord Christopher "Dudus" Coke's Negotiations to Surrender to U.S. Authorities

Rumor has it that reputed druglord Christopher "Dudus" Coke, has offered to surrender himself to officials in New York. Attempts to arrest him in Kingston have been futile and have led to urban warfare between the police, soldiers and armed thugs loyal to him. The death toll from the fighting stands at 73 and is expected to climb.

The 41-year-old alleged head of the notorious Shower Posse could be in custody in Manhattan by the end of the weekend. He is wanted in New York on multiple counts of drug-running and gun-running.

The Jamaican Observer newspaper quoted sources close to Coke saying he "feels it is in his best interest to be taken to the U.S., rather than to a Jamaican jail." Source: NY Daily News

He should spend some time in a Jamaican prison, like his father, Jim Brown who died under mysterious circumstances. The accommodations in a U.S. prison are far better than that of one in Jamaica. If these rumors are true, then I will be glad when he is in U.S. custody. The fight to eradicate these gangs from Jamaica must go on and the soldiers have put these thugs on notice. Meanwhile, I will continue to call for the resignation of Prime Minister Bruce Golding. It is time for new leaders in Jamaica and if the country can't govern itself, then it's time for the island to back to British control or become a territory of the United States.

Former Jamaican Prime Minister Edward Seaga's Call for Resignation of PM Bruce Golding Smacks of Hypocrisy

Former Jamaican Prime Minister Edward Seaga has the hubris to criticize the current PM Bruce Golding for his handling of the debacle in Tivoli Gardens. Incidentally, Eddie Seaga laid the foundation for this mess, since Christopher "Dudus" Coke's father known as Jim Brown was one of his biggest allies. What a nerve. Seaga is calling for the Golding's resignation. Isn't that hypocritical?

I do agree that Bruce Golding needs to step down, but is Deputy PM Dr. Kenneth Baugh a worthy replacement? Seems to me that his administration will be much of the same -- Seaganomics. The same holds true of re-electing Portia Simpson-Miller, a real virago, as prime minister for the Peoples National Party. She did nothing while she served in such a capacity and was hand-picked by a real idiot, P.J. Patterson, who took the country down a horrible path of economic destruction. Jamaica started going to pieces under Michael Manley and his socialism experiment.

The man who built the community of Tivoli Gardens, Seaga is accusing Golding of mismanaging the United States extradition request for local area don Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, who is wanted on gun and drug trafficking charges. "Frankly that is my view because he is showing day by day that he cannot cope," Seaga said in an interview aired on TVJ last night.

He said that Golding should not have intervened in the extradition process and should seek another constituency. During a tour of the community yesterday residents strongly expressed their opposition to their MP whom they accuse of abandoning them to the assault by security forces that began Sunday. Source: Jamaica Observer

Now the death toll in Jamaica stands at 73 and climbing. Why can't Dudus turn himself in to police to stop this bloodshed in west Kingston? Quite frankly, I believe the death toll is far higher than the police is reporting. What I find equally amazing and worth an investigation is the fact that only four guns have been seized, along with more than 7,000 rounds of ammunition. Something is just not adding up. Where are the guns? Still, Dudus is a punk like Saddam Hussein, who was found hiding in a rat hole.

It is ironic that Seaga is also calling for Coke to surrender himself to authorities. He created a monster in his father that has manifested itself in his son, Dudus. There reality is that Jamaica needs to be cleansed of the party affiliation with gangs, like Tivoli Gardens, and the corrupt politicians, police and gang leaders must be rooted out. It is time for new leadership, free from the vestiges of Michael Manley, Edward Seaga, Percival Patterson, virago Portia Simpson-Miller and Bruce Golding.

Maricopa County Worker Michael Mallette Suspended After Admitting to Sleeping on Job, Files Discrimination Complaint with EEOC

Michael Mallette, a drinking-water inspector at the Environmental Services Department in Maricopa County, was suspended without pay after he admitted to sleeping on the job. He has filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, saying that White supervisors did the same thing and were not disciplined. According to the Arizona Republic, the county, which has 13,000 employees, disciplines dozens of workers every year for violating work policies such as inappropriately using the Internet, destroying property, insubordination and sleeping on the job. Mr. Mallette, there is a thing called personal responsibility. You got caught sleeping on the job. That's deserves punishment, unless you were under the influence of prescription drugs. Seems to me he had no problem turning a blind-eye to the alleged behavior of others until he got punished for doing the same thing.

In his letter to the EEOC he said there are other managers who sleep at meetings and training sessions. He did not dispute sleeping on the job, but he questioned why White employees of Maricopa County are allowed to sleep at work "all day" and get rewarded with promotions, while a Black employee was disciplined and suspended.

In his letter, Mallette provided the names of five former and current employees who could confirm his allegations. Mallette, who earns $52,500 annually, originally was to receive a three-day suspension for sleeping on the job on Feb. 1 and March 3, but the penalty was reduced after a pre-disciplinary hearing, according to county records. The suspension took effect March 26. Source: Arizona Republic

Here's my two cents. I hate the notion of interjecting race in every dog fight. It will backfire and is very counter productive, but it is clear that Mr. Mallette broke the rules and should have been punished for his actions. There is no "if you do it, I can do it too" excuse in this case. He got caught. I am not sure if his claims are true, but if they are, then the other perpetrators should be held to the same standard. If he had noticed this behavior being tolerated, he should have lodged a complaint with the county first and not waited until he did the same thing.

Faith Leaders Calls on Congress to Respect Veterans & Their Faith Over Mohave Cross Theft

The right wing evangelicals are at it again. This time, Dr. Gary Cass of the Christian Anti-Defamation Commission would rather come out swinging for the theft of the Mohave Cross than even entertain the right of gays and lesbians serving in the military to be allowed to be themselves. He claims while we prepart to celebrate Memorial Day, "we do so knowing brave veterans and our shared faith have been maliciously attacked, first by thieves and now by our own Federal Government." Really? Isn't that a little disingenuous considering the religious right has mounted a campaign to deny homosexuals their basic right to be true to themselves? The Mohave Cross is a symbol of all veterans -- black, white, homosexual, heterosexual and so on.

The recent theft and desecration of the Mohave Cross, serving as a WWI veterans war memorial since 1934, was more than a symbol of gratitude to our fallen heroes. It's a symbol of the overwhelming majority of our WWI veterans' faith.

After a long and contentious legal battle, the US Supreme Court ruled the Mohave Cross should remain on Sunrise Rock in the Mojave National Preserve. Yet, in order to circumvent a decision they disagreed with, despicable cowards violated the Court's decision and the rule of law. These lawless acts of violence against the faith community, further demonstrated by last week's desecration of the Maywood, CA Catholic Church, have got to cease.

Now, adding insult to injury, the Federal Government won't approve a permit to build another cross exactly like the one that was stolen. This political correctness run amuck has exposed again an ugly, anti-Christian bigotry and intolerance towards veterans by this administration. We call on the US Congress to investigate why the Park Service refuses to allow the cross to be replaced.

The irony is painfully obvious. Generations of Christians and patriots made the ultimate sacrifice giving us a land of freedom and religious tolerance. But now criminals and the government are conspiring to deprive them the honor they are due. This makes Christian Americans into second class citizens in the very country for which our Christian forefathers bled and died.

It is truly ironic that Gary Cass, Cliff Kincaid, Bryan Fischer and all the other Christian right wing nuts could fight for a cross but deny gays and lesbians the right to serve in the military freely.

Ohio Radio Station Holds Contest, Grand Prize a Weekend in Phoenix to "Chase Aliens"

Ohio radio station holds contest where the grand prize is a weekend in Phoenix to "chase aliens."

Conservative talk radio station WTVN, located in Columbus, OH, offered its listeners a chance to spend a weekend in Phoenix, "chasing aliens."

John Corby, a radio personality for News Talk 610 WTVN in Columbus, is the man behind the contest and, as you can see in the above promotion for the contest, "chasing aliens" is only a taste of the language used that has Ohio immigrant's rights advocates furious.

"You'll spend a weekend chasing aliens and spending cash in the desert, just make sure you've got your green card! Win round trip airfare to Phoenix, hotel accommodations, and a few pesos in spending cash -- just register below," the promotion explains.

The contest is in response to Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman (that's his mug on the ID card), who boycotted Arizona by banning all city-funded travel after SB 1070 was signed by Governor Jan Brewer. Source: Phoenix New Times

The right wing has the hubris to say racial profiling will not occur if this legislation is enacted. We all agree that illegal immigration must be stemmed, but why do some people have to ridicule another ethnic background?

Tavis Smiley Says "More Christians Than Muslims Blowing People Up in America"

Tavis Smiley is at it again. This time he is pushing some inflammatory rhetoric. He said, "Oh, Christians, every day, people walk into post offices, they walk into schools, that's what Columbine is - I could do this all day long. There are so many more examples of Christians - and I happen to be a Christian. That's back to this notion of your idealizing Christianity in my mind, to my read. There are so many more examples, Ayaan, of Christians who do that than you could ever give me examples of Muslims who have done that inside this country, where you live and work." This is just plain hogwash.

Georgia Teacher Keenon Aampay Hall, 29, Resigns Amid Allegations of Sex with Male Student

High school teacher Keenon Aampay Hall quits amid allegations of sex with a male student.

It is a disgrace that Shiloh High School's Teacher of the Year, Keenon Aampay Hall, engaged in a sexual relationship with a student. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, she resigned her position at the Gwinnett county school amid allegations that she seduced a senior who came to her for homework help. The AJC states that an investigative file on the case compiled by the school system’s human resources division contains the student’s accounts of sexual trysts at a hotel, a friend’s home and in the teacher’s classroom during school hours.

The report also says that pornography was found on Hall’s Gwinnett County schools laptop. Let's put this in the proper perspective. There are many single adult males in Atlanta and the United States at large, for this teacher to set her sights on a student. When I think of a night of passion, a student certainly doesn't come to mind. So, the student rebuffs her after her alleged pressuring of him to reproduce with her, she allegedly lowered his grade? Wasn't that like striking a match over a gasoline spill? How little regard did she have for this young man if she wanted to push him into fatherhood at such a young age?

The student, a player on Shiloh’s football team who is to graduate Friday, claimed that Hall gave him gifts and pressured him to commit to their six-month relationship by giving her a baby, according to the file. When he declined, the student’s family said, Hall gave him a failing grade, prompting him to report the relationship to school officials.

Gwinnett County Public Schools police are investigating the incident. The governor recently signed a new law making it illegal for teachers to have sex with students, even if the sex is consensual. In addition, the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, which has the authority to revoke Hall’s teaching certificate, is scheduled to review the complaint next week. Source: AJC

Yes, the police ought to investigate the fact that she broke the law and for having pornography on a laptop belonging to the school. This woman could have made a real difference in the lives of her students, but she threw it all way for a sexual relationship with a student. Had that been a male teacher having a relationship with a female student, it's safe to say the outcry would be far louder. Keenon Aampay Hall is a sexual predator, who should be treated as such.

Read more: Gwinnett teacher quits after sex with student | AJC

Former Dekalb County Schools Superintendent Crawford Lewis, Three Others Charged with Racketeering

Former Dekalb County Schools Superintendent Crawford Lewis, three others, charged with racketeering over $80 million worht of contracts.

Former Dekalb County Schools Superintendent Crawford Lewis and three other people are charged with racketeering stemming from $80 million worth of fraudulent construction contracts. The others charged include Patricia Reid (formerly Patricia Pope), her ex-husband Anthony Pope and Reid's former secretary Cointa Moody. Of the four, Lewis posted $200,000 bond Wednesday night, while Anthony Pope is still in jail waiting to post a $1 million bond and Cointa Moody, is also in jail.

It is a disgrace that people charged with ensuring the kids of Dekalb County get a good education literally robbed the system blind. According to WSB-TV, the indictment accuses them of using their positions with the school system to set up at least $80 million in fraudulent construction contracts and bids.

The accused said the charges are false, but would the county spend expend so much time and resources to go on a wild goose chase? With any luck, these dirtbags will be locked up for a long, long time and forced to pay restitution. Just think what $80 million could do for a cash-strapped county?

Read more: Former DeKalb Schools Chief, 3 Others Indicted | WSB-TV

Verizon Wireless Sued After Debt Collector Allegedly Threatens to Blow Up Customer's Home Over $308 Bill

Is Verizon Wireless your cellular phone provider? Well, maybe if you are behind on your monthly payment, you'd better watch out for a crazy debt collector. The company is being suied by Al Burrows, who alleges that one of its debt collectors threatened to blow his house up over a $308 unpaid bill. Burrows, who lives in New Mexico, said Verizon had already given him 90 days to pay his bill when he received a call from another bill collector. According to ABC News, he was pressed for immediate payment and threatened by the collector: "I am gonna blow your m*****f****** house up," the bill collector said, according to the lawsuit filed with New Mexico's First Judicial District Court.

Burrows, who lived in Las Cruces, New Mexico at the time, acknowledged that he owed Verizon Wireless $308 on an account that he had opened on behalf of his stepson, but said he worked out a payment plan as soon as he found out about the debt.

This is a hot mess and a clear violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. If found guilty, the FTC will hand down a large fine to Verizon Wireless and I am sure, Mr. Burrows will be compensated for this aggravation.

Read more: Verizon Wireless Bill Collector Allegedly Threatens to Blow Up Man's House | ABC News

H/T to Enrique Castillo for telling us about this story!

High School Student, Ochae Green, Arrested & Charged with Sexually Abusing Female Teacher

Ochae Green, 18, of Richton Park, Ill., was arrested and charged Tuesday with criminal sexual abuse, accoding to the Southtown Star. He was charged with sexually abusing a female teacher at Rich Central High School.

On Wednesday, Rich Township High School District 227 released the following statement about the incident: "On Monday, an assault occurred against a District 227 employee in the rear parking lot of Rich Central High School after school hours. "The suspect, a Rich Central student, was apprehended the following day. We are cooperating with the police in this ongoing investigation. "Please note that safety is a top priority, and we are taking all appropriate measures to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff," the release said.

I know an accused is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, but talk about a sense of entitlement and poor upbringing of this young man. When have you ever heard of a student sexually abusing a teacher? It's usually the other way around. Reprehensible nonetheless.

Bill O'Reilly Tells Black Columbia Professor, Marc Lamont Hill, He "Kind of Looks Like a Cocaine Dealer"

Fox News Channel's Bill O'Reilly has a lot of nerve. Marc Lamont Hill, a Columbia University professor, was insulted by O'Reilly during his appearance on The O'Reilly Factor Wednesday night. O'Reilly told him he looks like someone who sells drugs.

The two men were discussing President Obama's plan to send 1,200 troops to the Mexican border to stem illegal immigration. O'Reilly joked: "Say you're a cocaine dealer -- and you kind of look like one a little bit." Hill had a good comeback: "As do you... you know, you actually look like a cocaine user."

Let's just take a quick look at Mr. Hill's credentials:

He currently serves as an Associate Professor of Education and Anthropology at Columbia University's Teachers College. He is also an affiliated faculty member in African American Studies at Columbia. He holds a Ph.D with distinction from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.S. from Temple University. Besides his television appearances, he has been involved in activism, specifically arguing for the release of Georgia teen Genarlow Wilson.

Far Religious Right Group, Headed by Cliff Kincaid, Says if DADT Repealed "Gay Blood" Will Taint Military

What is with these religious right hypocrites? According to Christian Newswire, Cliff Kincaid is pushing a vile 10-minute video from America's Survival Inc., entitled "Asking for Trouble," which seeks to explain why the admission of open and active homosexuals in the U.S. military could result in the spread of HIV-tainted blood on the battlefield where other soldiers could come into contact with their tainted blood and bodily fluids. Er, aren't gay men already serving in the military? Have you ever heard of a heterosexual who contracted the disease on the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan? It should be noted that gay men are currently banned from donating blood, but the FDA's Federal Advisory Committee on Blood Safety and Availability will consider the issue in meetings June 10 and 11 in Rockville, MD.

Also lost on Mr. Kincaid is the fact that all would-be soldiers must undergo mandatory HIV screening and are not allowed to serve if the results show they are positive. He cited that fact, but I guess he's having a problem interpreting the information. He states,

19,000 have tested positive after they joined and some have clearly acquired the the deadly disease by engaging in prohibited gay sex. In one case, a HIV-positive soldier infected a 17-year old boy he met in a gay online chat room.

As sad as this is, how is this comparable to one soldier infecting another? I can state with conviction that the scenario he is painting is flawed and rarely occurs. Cliff Kincaid and America's Survival, Inc. are nothing more than hatemongers who want to push their brand of interpretation of the Scriptures on every American.

"A vote to repeal the homosexual exclusion policy would inevitably mean more disease and death for members of our Armed Forces," stated Cliff Kincaid, the veteran journalist who runs ASI. "It is unconscionable to add this danger to the risks they already face in fighting for our freedom around the world.

Another danger, the video explains, would be the admission of transgendered individuals who want to dress up as members of the opposite sex and would cry "discrimination" if they are not allowed to do so.

"If Congress repeals the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' homosexual exclusion policy," declared Kincaid, "Corporal Klinger could become a reality in the Armed Forces." Klinger was the bizarre character on the MASH comedy show that dressed up as a woman so that he could be kicked out of the service.

As the vote in Congress draws near, Kincaid predicted that the pro-homosexual liberal media will deliberately ignore the fact that a decision to repeal the policy would mean that gay soldiers could be put in the position of donating infected blood to other soldiers in desperate need of blood transfusions.

This vile attack amounts to nothing more than fear-mongering. It should be noted that another rightwing religious group, the Family Research Council, mouthpiece Peter Sprigg, has issued a warning that repealing DADT, "will turn the U.S. military into a free-rape zone where no heterosexual is safe and "will be fellated in their sleep against their will," with commanders rendered powerless to resist.

Don't hesitate to contact America's Survival, Inc. at 443-964-8208 to let your voice be heard.

Police Officer Travis P. Murphy Shot to Death by Convicted Felon in Phoenix, Leaves Behind Two Young Kids

Phoenix police officer Travis P. Murphy, 29, was shot by a convicted felon at about 1:30 a.m. Wednesday morning. He leaves behind a wife and two children, ages two and two weeks old. According to the Arizona Republic, the officer's death, in the line of duty, marks the first in Phoenix since an officer was fatally wounded by a drunken driver in 2008.

The shooting apparently stemmed from an earlier call about shots being fired in northwest Phoenix, though investigators were still trying piece together what happened, said Sgt. Trent Crump, a spokesman for the department.

After a call was sent out to other officers, a Mustang with front-end damage was spotted near 19th Avenue and Indian School. Several minutes later, the Mustang was apparently backed into a carport and covered with tarp in the 1900 block of west Fairmount Avenue. Murphy and his partner went to the home to investigate. The officers went on opposite sides of the house. Murphy found a man, who opened fire on him. Several shots were fired, though it wasn't clear if Murphy returned fire. Source: Arizona Republic

The suspect, whose name has not been disclosed, was reportedly found hiding nude in a shed nearby the home. He has prior felony convictions. This is another senseless act of violence against law enforcement.

Phoenix Police Officer Shot to Death, Suspect is in Police Custody

A police officer has been shot in Phoenix, AZ, early this morning and the suspect was later apprehended. According to the Arizona Republic, the male officer had two children, including a 2-week-old. He and his partner responded to a disturbance call in the 1900 block of West Fairmount Avenue about 1:30 a.m.

The officer and his female partner, both of whom have not been identified, searched for the suspect who parked a vehicle in a carport and covered it with a tarp, police said.

The vehicle is believed to be connected with a shots fired call in the northwest Phoenix area, but has not been confirmed by police. The officers went on opposite sides of the house. One of the officers found a man, who opened fire on the officer. That officer was struck. Source: Arizona Republic

The gunman was later found hiding naked in a shed near the home. The suspect is reportedly from the Tucson area and had prior felony convictions. Gee, why am I not surprised by revelation? The identity of the deceased officer has not been disclosed yet.

Montego Bay's Area One Police in Freeport on High Alert After Receiving Death Threats

I sincerely hope the violence in west Kingston and parts of St. Catherine will not spread to Montego Bay. According to Radio Jamaica, the Area One police in Freeport, are on high alert after death threats were allegedly leveled against them earlier Tuesday.

Up to late Tuesday afternoon, members of the police hierarchy were locked in a strategy meeting. Head of the Area One police, Acting Commissioner Denver Frater, who spoke to us briefly from a meeting, confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that they are taking the threats seriously.

ACP Frater added that preparations are in high gear to safeguard the men and women based in Area One. Ten stations, two police posts and officer barracks are in St. James. Source: Radio Jamaica

It would be a devastating blow to tourism if this gun violence spread to the Montego Bay area. The time has come for Jamaica to rid itself of the gangs wreaking havoc all across the island.

More to follow.....

Georgia Teacher Stephanie Hunte Allowed Students to Dress in KKK Garb for Reenactment

Another Georgia school has launched an investigation into students wearing Ku Klux Klan robes during a reenactment. Stephanie Hunte, an 8th grade social studies teacher at Sweetwater Middle School in Gwinnett county, allowed her students to wear KKK robes as part of a re-enactment last Thursday. Another teacher saw the students preparing for the re-enactment and told an administrator. There's one big difference between Lumpkin County teacher Catherine Ariemma and this incident -- Hunte is black and she was told this type of activity was not appropriate for the school and would not take place, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

However, school officials learned this week that Hunte had allowed "this same activity" in another class the day before, according to the school's spokesperson, Sloan Roach.

"As a result of this information, we have launched a Human Resources investigation into the matter," Roach told the AJC. "Ms. Hunte, who has been with GCPS since August 2006, was told to report to the Central Office this morning."

Roach wrote that the re-enactment occurred as part of a social studies curriculum that covers "parts of our nation's history, including Reconstruction, key political and social changes and the civil rights movement."

I completely understand teaching students about the good and bad aspects of American history, but to wear KKK garb is a bit much for me. The KKK embarked on a reign of terror in the lives of blacks in this country that still unnerves many to today. Ms. Hunte should be placed on administrative leave as Mrs. Ariemma was.

ABC News Says US Report Alleges Jamaican PM Bruce Golding is "Known Criminal Affiliate" of Drug Lord Christopher "Dudus" Coke

US report allegedly names Prime Minister Bruce Golding as a "criminal affiliate" of drug lord Christopher "Dudus" Coke.

More drama coming from Jamaica. ABC News is reporting that a US report fingers Prime Minister Bruce Golding as a "criminal affiliate" of accused drug lord Christopher Coke. The reports are claiming the Jamaica Labour Party was voted into power through "Coke's murderous and strong-arm tactics." Wait, there's more. ABC also states Golding and other senior Jamaican officials have allegedly been electronically intercepted talking to Coke inside his fortified compound. If these allegations are true, Bruce Golding needs to step down immediately and be apprehended for questioning by the U.S. authorities for questioning. In all fairness, I find it absolutely hard to believe Bruce Golding could stoop so low. Er, I think he stooped pretty low when he lied about lobbying for Dudus through an American law firm. Still, I would like to see a direct link to a US government website referencing this report before I believe the claims the ABC News reporters are making. I also find it ironic that no Jamaican newspapers have reported on this so-called US report. Come on ABC News, cite your sources, you are further impugning the already tarnished reputation of Bruce Golding.

Read more: U.S. Report: Jamaican Prime Minister Is 'Known Criminal Affiliate' Of Hunted Drug Lord

UPDATE#1: Well, Bruce Golding is "angry," according to the Jamaica Observer. Who cares? If he's that angry about the ABC News and UK Independent's articles, sue them for libel, then they will have to prove where they got the information from, wouldn't they? Then we may get the truth about his involvement with Dudus. The reality is Bruce Golding is 0 - 2 in credibility with the Dudus debacle, having lied in Parliament about his involvment with the lobbying issue, only to admit he lied weeks later.

PRIME Minister Bruce Golding last night described as “scurrilous and malicious” a report by the American television network ABC News linking him in a damaging way to Tivoli Gardens strongman and alleged drug lord Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke.

Dismissing the ABC News report as “extremely offensive”, Golding pointed out that it made damaging and libellous assertions that “must be dismissed with the contempt that it deserves”.
He also expressed outrage at an article in the UK newspaper The Independent that said that a drug gang was on the payroll of the Jamaican prime minister.

“He said both publications, by seeking to link him personally with the alleged drug kingpin, were clearly part of a conspiracy to undermine the duly elected Government of Jamaica,” a news release from Jamaica House said. Source: Jamaica Observer

Right now, many people are incensed with the root cause of this urban warfare -- the politicians. It's time the leadership of both parties seek employment elsewhere. Jamaica is a beautiful place, but the stench of corruption and ineptitude of its leaders have changed it into a place barely recognizable by many. What the PNP and JLP, as well as their lackeys have done to Jamaica is “scurrilous and malicious.”

Four People Fatally Shot as Gun Violence Spreads from West Kingston, JA, to Parts of St. Catherine

The killings and shooting has spread from western Kingston to sections of St. Catherine. According to the Jamaica Observer, within the last two hours, at least three people have been fatally shot by gunmen in the McCooks Pen community and one person was killed in Waterford.

There are also reports of a shoot-out between gunmen and the police in the March Pen Road section of Spanish Town, the Observer reports. It is a sad commentary that parts of the island nation of Jamaica is slipping into anarchy. I expect this to spread to other neighboring communities in St. Catherine.

The three men killed have been identified as Peter McBean; Dwayne Murray and Robert Sankey. This is a bloody situation with no end in sight. This is shameful. It is time the people who are protecting this dirtbag turn him over to the police. The gun violence will not end until he is captured. Dudus isn't worth it. Turn him over.

Send us your pictures from Kingston: blackpoliticalthought@gmail.com

Georgia Middle School Teacher, Belinda Hazlett, Charged with Simple Battery on Student

Another Georgia teacher is in the news. Belinda Hazlett, a teacher at Snellville Middle School, was charged with a misdemeanor after a parent accused her of grabbing his son. She was charged on May 18 with simple battery against a student.

According to WSB-TV, school officials said Hazlett was accused by a parent of forcefully pushing and grabbing his son by the shirt collar. After the investigation, the school resource officer reportedly filed the battery charge.

Unrest in West Kingston, Ja., Claims Lives of 26 Civilians, 211 Detained as Medical Crisis Looms

The Jamaica Constabulary Force is reporting that 26 civilian have been killed and 25 injured in the unrest in West Kingston over the extradition of Christopher "Dudus" Coke to the United States. The report is the first confirmation released in response to the rising tensions in Tivoli Gardens and other areas of West Kingston.

According to the Jamaica Observer, the police said those killed were mostly males and their bodies were recovered from areas close to barricade, building entrances and gullies running through Tivoli Gardens. About 211 people, including six women were detained, the Jamaica Observer reports. Firearms and ballistic vests were among the items confiscated by law enforcement.

Medical crisis may be looming. See report from Radio Jamaica below:

There is an urgent appeal for blood as the spate of shootings since in the upsurge in violence in sections of the Corporate Area has depleted supplies at the National Blood Transfusion Service. According to Dr. Shane Alexis, President of the Jamaica Medical Doctors Association, the situation is dire.

“Blood is a necessary tool in traumatic injuries like gunshots and so on and we need blood urgently for transfusions to save lives." “Blood can also be donated at the Mandeville Regional Hospital (in Manchester) and the Cornwall Regional Hospital (in St. James) which would then be sent to Kingston,” Dr. Alexis said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Winston De-La Haye, President of the Medical Association of Jamaica, is expressing concern for the safety of medical staff manning the nations medical facilitates. Dr. De-La Haye said the situation was very serious.

“We are happy, willing to work and serve but are unable to feel safe enough to travel to work and unfortunately, the arrangements with the security forces aren’t’ such that we can feel comfortable that we’re being protected. This has lead to significant developments with our inability to get to work to offer the help, so those who have been there for, in some cases 48 hours, are exhausted but continue to do the best they can,” Dr. De La Haye said.

I can only imagine the stress the staff at Kingston Public Hospital is under. There will also be some fallout as the body count continues to rise, stretching the limits of the local funeral homes.

Read more: More blood needed | Radio Jamaica

Send us your pictures: blackpoliticalthought@gmail.com

"No Latinos, No Tacos" Flashing Highway Sign Greeted Drivers on Miami-Dade Palmetto Expressway

Talk about road rage. According to NBC Miami, drivers on the Palmetto Expressway, in northwest Miami-Dade, were greeted with a highway sign flashing, "NO LATINOS NO TACOS." Hackers managed to alter the sign early Tuesday morning.

According to NBC Miami, the sign was in the northbound side of the 826, right near the Northwest 25th street exit. The signs were reportedly password-protected, but that doesn't mean a hacker can't get in. It's amazing that someone took the time to alter the signs. This isn't a political statement. It's one steeped in ignorance.

Christian Newswire's Gary McCollough Says Ratings Drop of American Idol Due to Addition of Lesbian, Ellen DeGeneres

The self-rightous right wing evangelicals are at it again. According to Christian Newswire's Gary McCullough, the ratings drop at “American Idol” is attributable to the the addition of Ellen DeGeneres, and that network television is on “a pro-homosexual bender.” Wow. It seems to me that the show was on the wane because it's is becoming monotonous and has served its time. I didn't like the show's decision to add Ellen DeGeneres because she is not qualified to judge another contestant on his or her singing abilities because that isn't her line of work. I would certainly not state that her sexuality has anything to do with the show's ratings.

McCullough referred to an earlier column in which he wrote:

“I am confident that the producers of American Idol will be shocked when their market share has cratered, and will in all honesty find a dozen other reasons for the drop in ratings. After all, what successful television producer could have a clue what wholesomeness is as long as they see promoting homosexuality as a virtue.”

According to McCullough, the addition of a lesbian to the show is “driving away market share.”

DeGeneres’ “Yes, I have loved a woman,” comment from the May 11th show, was the most obvious lesbian-one-liner, but it wasn’t the only one, and it is hurting the show’s ratings. I can hear the bloggers loading their homophobe-blasters, but think this through with me. If one of the judges was an abortion activist, or a political right winger — and continued to insert comments in line with their activism — the same criticism would be true, and the show would suffer. The advice, “Shut up and sing!” comes to mind.....

Network television producers may or may not stop promoting homosexuality; but for certain they will learn to keep homosexual activism separate from the cash-cow of "family entertainment."  There is of course the insane possibility that Hollywood will forsake ratings - and the dollars that follow - and continue down the path of change.  Perhaps next we will see the pro-pedophilia group NAMBLA use its influence in Hollywood to have "Dancing with the Stars" seat Roman Polanski as a judge. 

What a hypocrite. How many times have we heard of these religious rights being outed for sexual improprieties? Since when is being a lesbian a disqualifier from being on any show, much less "American Idol" and "Dancing with the Stars?" R&B legend, Patti Labelle, also criticized the show. Ms. Labelle stated that there are judges on the show who know absolutely nothing about singing. That's a fair and accurate criticism. How can Ellen DeGeneres give any of the contestants tips for singing? She can't sing and does not have one clue about music.

Kwame Kilpatrick Sentenced to Up to Five Years for Violating Terms of Probation

Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick sentenced to five years in prison for violating the terms of his probation. This is a sad end to a life that was promising, but got side-tracked by a big ego and self-interest. According to Detroit News, Kilpatrick was chastised by Wayne Circuit Judge David Groner for engaging in "contemptible behavior" by hiding assets from the court.

"Probation is no longer an option. The terms of your earlier probation no longer apply; that ship has sailed," Groner said. "This is all because of the actions of you, Mr. Kilpatrick. You were convicted ... all because you lied under oath. That lie ... was part of a broader attempt to cover up your misdeeds while serving as mayor "You challenged this court's authority," Groner said. "You attempted to utilize semantics and exploit loopholes. The broader context of this issue is that your family living expenses -- including living in a million-dollar home, driving a brand new Escalade and purchasing elective surgery for your wife -- you have made it perfectly clear that it's more important to pacify your wife than comply with my orders." Source: Detroit News

Kwame Kilpatrick got what he deserved. You can't break the law, get probation and expect to get a slap on the wrist when you flagrantly violate the terms of your probation. He chose to focus on material things -- plastic surgery for wife and purchasing an Escalade. His actions prove that Kwame Kilpatrick is an egotist who thumbed his nose at the law. Prison will teach him a valuable lesson and voters will send his mother home from Congress.

Deaths of Sgt. Wayne Henriques & Constable Jason Davis Speak to Culture of Corruption Dogging Jamaica

Let me pay tribute to the fallen police officers in Kingston. Their families are now left with an enormous hole in their hearts. The officers have been identified as Sgt. Wayne Henriques and Constable Jason Davis, both worked in the Motorized Patrol Division, according to the Jamaica Observer. It is never easy to accept a police officer dying in the line of duty. I am most saddened by the fact that the killers may never be brought to justice for this reprehensible act. They died because this tenuous situation was poorly handled by the political parties poorly from the start. The Jamaican government has failed these two men and their families.

Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington, in condemning the murder of the policemen, advised members of the constabulary to take swift and decisive action to protect themselves in the face of orchestrated attacks on police personnel and facilities by gunmen supporting Coke. The lifelong love affair both parties have had with criminal elements in their constituencies must come to an end immediately. The current Police Commissioner Owen Ellington recently told police officers,

"Do not hesitate to respond quickly and take decisive action when attacked by these criminals as it is now patently clear that they are hell bent on causing mayhem in the society by their calculated, vile and cold actions against police personnel."Police personnel have the full backing of the high command to take any response to protect themselves, their colleagues and the law abiding citizens of Jamaica." Source: Jamaica Observer

Really? Isn't this the same vileness being spewed by rogue police officers? This is the same vileness that has been tolerated in Jamaica for decades and this urban war was bound to occur at some point. The families of the fallen police officers and soldiers need more than just condolence from the Mr. Ellington. They, like many Jamaicans, want the culture of violence and corruption to end. The brazen criminals were created by that culture and the lawlessness must come to an end. The Jamaican leadership needs a cleansing.

The reality is that the outbreak of gun violence in West Kingston, Jamaica, was a long time coming. When have you ever heard of police stations being attacked, pillaged and burnt, as was the case at the Hannah Town Police Station, as well as the Fletcher's Landing, Darling Street and Denham Town stations in western Kingston. The Jamaica Gleaner has also confirmed that the Spanish Town and Cross Roads stations were also fired on. The Peoples National Party and the Jamaica Labor Party both have a hand in coddling dons like Christopher "Dudus" Coke. No matter how Opposition Leader Portia Simpson-Miller tries to spin this, she is just as complicit as Bruce Golding in this mess. She picked up where her predecessor, P.J. Patterson, left off -- utter mismanagement of Jamaica's resources. Under her leadership, Jamaica was not better off. Instead, conditions worsened, including crime and unemployment rates.

To utter the sentiments of Malcolm X, the chickens have come home to roost indeed. I can aver that the Dudus affair is comparable to the detonation of an explosive device to Prime Minister Bruce Golding's political career. He is now a political liability and his political capital is toxic. He will not win a second term and should not be allowed to even entertain the thought of running. It is a sad commentary that tribal politics managed to take root in Jamaica and has wrecked the island. It is incredulous that an island that is so gifted with brilliant people could sink into a weak civil society, deficient of foresight, wisdom and a deep conviction to do the right thing. Instead we have a society in which corruption and crime rule the day. This isn't the Jamaica I spent my formative years. It is equally reprehensible that Bruce Golding is no where to be seen since the war began.

Thanks for PM Michael Manley for starting Jamaica on a downward spiral with his democratic socialism experiment in the 1970s. He started Jamaica down a dangerous path of reliance on the government and ended the notion that national sacrifice and collective responsibility were guiding tenets. The reality is that it is time for new leadership in Jamaica. The country needs new leaders who do not ascribe to the tenets of former Prime Ministers Micheal Manley, Edward Seaga, Percival J. Patterson, virago Portia Simpson-Miller and Bruce Golding. It is time for a paradigm shift in Jamaica and that will only occur with new leaders. Let me end by echoing the words of Sam Cooke's song, "a change is gonna come." Yes, Jamaica needs a change right now.

Civil Unrest in Parts of Kingston, JA, Causing Fallout in Tourism Sector, Cancellations Expected to Mount

The civil unrest in Jamaica will, undoubtedly, take a toll on tourism. According to Radio Jamaica, Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) President Wayne Cummings said with the international attention that Jamaica has been receiving there have already been fallouts in tourist arrivals.

He says several persons who were scheduled to arrive have not turned up while others have begun cancelling their trip. Mr. Cummings says the state of emergency is a topical issue in the travel industry. Some hotels are still running high occupancies while others are doing relatively well but the JHTA President is unable to quantify the level of cancellations so far. Mr. Cummings emphasized that the situation being as it is, the country should allow the security forces to do their jobs without loss of innocent lives. He adds that the JHTA and Jamaica Tourist Board have been liaising with the travel industry to keep them abreast of the situation in Jamaica. Mr. Cummings is continuing to assure the travel industry that Jamaica remains open for business and there is no immediate threat to visitors. Source: Radio Jamaica

This is not good. The island depends heavily on tourism and many Jamaicans who work in the industry will be adversely affected. For all those supporters of Christopher "Dudus" Coke, who would prefer to see the country descend into anarchy are doing themselves a great disservice. It is time for this madness to end. Too many innocent people are caught in the crossfire.

On a personal note:

I have devoted much of my blog posts in the past several days to bringing my readers breaking news in the continuing saga of Dudus' extradition. I take a personal stake in this because I spent my formative years in western Jamaica. It really breaks my heart to see parts of Kingston descend into anarchy as the police and soldiers try to combat the forces of evil roaming the streets in support of a known criminal. I would implore all to pray for the innocent people caught in the crossfire of this series of events.

According to Radio Jamaica, some airlines are cancelling or diverting flights.

Several airlines with routes in and out of the Kingston based Norman Manley International Airport have cancelled flights. Senior Vice President of Operations at the Airports Authority of Jamaica, Paul Hall, says some flights have also been diverted from Kingston to Montego Bay.

“It appears that some of the airlines are canceling flights coming into Kingston. British Airlines is contemplating diverting to Montego Bay. We haven’t heard from Virgin but a couple of Air Jamaica flights are going to be cancelled,” Mr. Hall said. Air Jamaica has cancelled three flights due to the unrest in Kingston.

Teacher Catherine Ariemma Allow Four Students to Wear Ku Klux Klan Outfits in Reenactment at Georgia High School

Catherine Ariemma, a history teacher at Lumpkin County High School in Dahlonega, Ga., was placed on administrative leave Monday after she allowed four students to wear Ku Klux Klan outfits in a historical reenactment. The Lumpkin County Schools superintendent Dewey Moye told the Atlanta Journal Constitution that the teacher "used extremely poor judgment."

Ms. Ariemma reportedly teaches an advanced placement history class. According to the AJC, her students were filming reenactments of various historical periods and four wore KKK outfits. The incident sparked outrage after students from other classrooms saw them as they walked down a hallway. The parents of an African American student at the school complained.

There is absolutely no excuse for anyone using such poor judgment.  This is so disturbing and on so many levels. She should have known that allowing the students to dress in KKK garb would spark outrage. She should be fired for being so dumb.

Heavy Explosions in West Kingston as Police, Soldiers Converge on Dudus Tivoli Gardens Stronghold

Police and soldiers told to shoot agitators on sight! For the latest from Jamaica's limited state of emergency in Kingston & St. Andrew, see below:

From the Jamaica Observer:

HEAVY explosions are ringing out in West Kingston as a large contingent of police and soldiers have converged on the volatile community of Tivoli Gardens in an effort to bring in reputed don, Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.

Plumes of smoke can also be seen rising from the area. Until now the security forces have taken a soft-handed approach even in the face of constant attacks by gunmen which resulted in the deaths of two cops and the injury of six others.

The cops were attacked as they attempted to clear a roadblock at Mountain View Avenue. Stung by the deaths of their colleagues lawmen have launched on offensive on Tivoli Gardens, Coke's stomping ground and the power base of Prime Minister Bruce Golding's West Kingston constituency. There were also reports that the violence had spread to sections of a community known as 'Southside' near to the Kingston Central Police station. Jamaica Defence Force soldiers and police have been deployed to that area to quell the disturbance. Gunmen and police were also engaged in a running gunbattle in the Central Kingston community of Woodford Park.

The police and soldiers have been given permission by the Jamaican government to shoot agitators on sight. I am getting first hand information from a relative in Kingston.

Click here to read Christopher "Dudus" Coke's indictment.

UPDATE#1:  Two Jamaica Defense Force soldiers were shot after taking on gunmen during an offensive against Tivoli Gardens Monday.  Both are expected to survive.

UPDATE#2: One soldier killed, four shot in shootout with thugs. Violence continues.

UPDATE#3:  According to Radio Jamaica,  ( 7:34 p.m. EST)

The US Embassy has alerted its citizens of escalating violence, shootings and unrest in a number of neighborhoods in the Kingston and Spanish Town. In an email sent to its citizens, the embassy has warned Americans in the Kingston and Spanish Town areas to stay at home until an all-clear has been announced in the local media. It said that because of the instability of the situation, they are advised to defer non-essential travel to the greater Kingston area. The email also advised that access to the Norman Manley International Airport is being blocked on an intermittent basis by gun battles between criminal elements and police.

Rep. Patrick Kennedy Compares Arizona's Immigration Law to Slave Trade

Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) condemns Arizona's immigration legislation. He said, "So, this idea of, you know, racial profiling, takes us backwards and really goes to the worst character of our nation and it’s, it’s demeaning to our country that we would move in that direction."

I have real reservations about the legislation, but this in no way can be compared to the slave trade. Has Patrick Kennedy been drinking again?

Extradition of Slum Lord, Christopher 'Dudus' Coke to U.S. Sparks Sporadic Gun Violence in Kingston, St. Andrew

The fallout continues with the Jamaican government and reputed don Christopher "Dudus" Coke. Prime Minister Bruce Golding has implemented a limited state of emergency in Kingston and St. Andrew. I am appalled but not surprised that so many residents of Tivoli Gardens, Dudus' stronghold would rather give their lives for him than turn him in to the police. What I find equally shocking is how little regard the armed thugs have for law enforcement and that they are armed with high-powered weapons, overpowering the police in some cases. For example, two policemen were killed and six injured after they came to the aid of a female motorist. According to the Jamaica Observer, the woman turned up at Rockfort Police Station to report that she was shot and injured in a busy intersection located in St. Andrew. She also reported that another motorist had also been attacked at the same location. The cops then became stranded on the grounds of nearby Excelsior High School after being trapped by the gunmen. Er, how do you allow yourself as law enforcement officers to be boxed in by criminals, repeatedly?

The police are saying, however, Monday is calmer, though it's far too early in the day to reach that conclusion. There was sporadic gunfire on Sunday and people saw men with high-powered weapons roaming the streets and on roof tops. I was equally appalled to learn that the Hannah Town Police Station was set on fire. How does one get so close to a police station, set it on fire and no-one saw anything?

The reality is that Jamaica needs America's help to capture this man. Failure to do so in a timely fashion will lead to more chaos, lawlessness, gun violence, looting and deaths in the streets of Kingston and St. Andrew. Prime Minister Bruce Golding is in for a whipping in the news media. This will sound the death-knell to his political career. He handled the Dudus extradition poorly from the start. Anyone in their right mind knows that urban warfare takes more than cops parading on the streets to combat. Jamaica needs help and PM Golding should call for assistance from the US and/or Great Britain's Scotland Yard immediately. The bottom line is that Jamaica is a good place, with decent people, who are just trying to survive, with some really bad elements, like Dudus, who need to be eradicated. The island deserves a whole lot better from its elected officials and the corruption within the ranks of the police must be addressed with zero tolerance.

From the Jamaica Information Services Prime Minister Bruce Golding issues statement:

"I appeal to all law-abiding citizens to remain calm and support these necessary measures. My government is determined that Jamaica must be a land of peace, order and security," Mr. Golding stated. Based on information from the security forces that actions were being carried out, which pose significant threats to law and order in the Corporate Area, Cabinet today advised the Governor-General to issue a proclamation declaring the State of emergency.

"Since this morning, violent, orchestrated attacks have been launched on a number of police stations. Two members of the security forces have been shot and injured," Mr. Golding noted, describing the situation as "a calculated assault on the authority of the state that cannot be tolerated, and will not be allowed to continue."

Texas School Board Member Suggests Adding Barack Hussein Obama to Social Studies Curriculum, Sparks Ire

I can't believe that some black legislators in Texas are arguing over President Barack Obama's middle name, Hussein. Here's an excerpt from the Star-Telegram:

The State Board of Education voted to include President Obama in a revised social studies curriculum on Thursday after a Republican board member temporarily offered -- but then withdrew -- an amendment that would have listed the president's full name -- Barack Hussein Obama.

"The intent behind what you're doing, I think, is pretty obvious," board member Bob Craig of Lubbock said after his fellow Republican, David Bradley of Beaumont, offered the amendment. "I just don't that's correct. "We don't have to insult the president of the United States," Lawrence A. Allen Jr., a Houston Democrat and an African-American, told Bradley. "I'm asking you to please withdraw your amendment."

Another member, Mary Helen Berlanga, D-Corpus Christi, said "the motion would be humiliating to the nation's first African-American president.""I'll put an end to the whining," Bradley said. "I'll withdraw the motion." "I don't consider it whining," snapped Mavis B. Knight, D-Dallas, an African-American. The board accepted Allen's amendment to specifically note that Obama is the nation's first black president.

The proposed standards had referred to the 2008 election of the first black president, but African-Americans in the Legislature were angered that Obama was not named. The board worked through more than 120 amendments Thursday on the eve of a final vote on the new social studies curriculum standards. After more than 10 hours debate, Chairwoman Gail Lowe abruptly called a mid-evening dinner recess after tempers flared during debate involving the opposing presidents in the Civil War.

Read more: http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/05/20/2206066/texas-education-board-works-through.html#ixzz0oZ9w6bmB

Fox Business Anchor John Stossel Says Private Businesses Should be Allowed to be Racist

Once again News Corp. is in the middle of the dust-up over Tea Party darling Rand Paul's statements that private businesses should be allowed to discriminate against anyone they choose. Enter Fox Business Channel anchor John Stossel. He argued during an appearance on Fox News Channel that private businesses should be allowed to be racist if they choose in discussing similar comments allegedly made by politician Rand Paul. According to Tampa Bay's The Feed, his reasoning as a free market Libertarian: The federal government shouldn't tell any business what to do. So when people, blacks in particular, view News Corp. and its news media operations as not having the best interests of the black community at heart, the company should admit that it is biased. Is this what they call "fair and balanced?"

Read more:  Fox Business anchor John Stossel mainstreams prejudiced views by saying private businesses should be allowed to discriminate | Tampa Bay "The Feed"

Wheeling, WV, Organizer Ron Scott Jr. Plans Black-Only Awards Banquet for Local Seniors

Here we go again, another black-only school event. According to WTRF, on May 27th, at the Wheeling campus of West Virginia Northern Community College will honor local black high school seniors in its first African-American Senior Awards Banquet. These students will receive recognition for "all their hard work in school and the community," WTRF reports.

The event was organized by Wheeling Park High School educator Ron Scott Jr., who said in an interview with WTRF, "we contacted all the area guidance counselors at the high schools and asked for listings of the students. We asked for their GPA's and overall progress. Some had just brought their grades up a point or more. We asked them to forward those names to us and the ones that deserved the recognition we were giving out."

Isn't this a little disingenuous to have an awards show based on one's race, then claim that blacks are being discriminated against? I have to ask the question, how would Ron Scott Jr. feel if there was a White Senior Awards Banquet? 

Watch the video:

Illegal Immigrant Jose Madrigal, Deported at Least Four Times in Past 15 Years, Accused of Rape Again

Illegal immigrant, Jose Madrigal, was deported at least four times in the past 15 years for rape, according to KIRO Radio. Guess what? He's back! Madrigal has been accused of rape again. He allegedly raped a woman behind an Edmonds, Wa., grocery story last Sunday.

An officer responding to a woman's cry for help Sunday night found 46-year-old Jose Madrigal on top of the woman and arrested him. According to court documents, the woman told police that Madrigal had followed her and offered her $35 for sex, but she said no. She said Madrigal then forced her into the bushes on the north side of the store and raped her.

Documents say Madrigal told police "Sometimes we have control in our brains, but we make mistakes."  The 28-year-old Edmonds woman was treated at a hospital. Snohomish County prosecutors have charged Madrigal in district court with second degree rape. He is also is being held for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. Source: KTVB.com

This a prime reason why so many Americans are against illegal immigration and the fact that our borders are too porous and dirtbags like Jose Madrigal can invade our country.

Chauncey Owens, Suspect Sought by Police in Botched Raid that Led to Death of Aiyana Jones, Being Held Without Bail

I blogged about the untimely death of Aiyana Jones, 7, last weekend in a botched police raid. It is ironic that the relatives of this child refuse to lay some blame for her death at the feet of Chauncey Owens, who was the suspect police had been seeking to arrest. Owens, 34, was accused in the shooting death of Jerean Blake, 17, and was arraigned in the 36th District Court, Thursday.

According to Detroit News, Owens faces charges that include first-degree murder and using of a firearm in the commission of a felony in Blake's death last Friday. Magistrate Millicent Sherman reportedly remanded him to jail without bond and scheduled a preliminary examination for June 1 at 1:30 p.m.

The family of Jerean Blake have reportedly claimed Aiyana's father, Charles Jones, was also involved in the teen's murder. According to the Detroit News, they demanded that he be arrested. It is a real tragedy that the child lost her life, but the family is also guilty of harboring a known police suspect in their home. The death of this little girl also lies squarely on the shoulders of Chauncey Owens.