ProgressOhio

I am recruiting bloggers for a justice project in May.

May 7, 2008 is World Orphan Day. I am looking for bloggers who will bring this issue to the attention of the public.

You can read information here:http://www.worldaidsorphans.org/

If you are interested in posting in support of the children, please leave me a message at my blogsite:http://msladydeborah.blogspot.com

Thanks for your time and consideration in this matter.

I have had a visit from a PO blogger on my personal blogsite. He came there to specifically expresss his opinion about my support of Obama. Also to demand an answer as to why I support Obama.

In his zeal to express his opinions about black on black support and the historical perspectives of Obama's bid for office, he has also managed to expose how little he knows about black politicos.

I am a black/female/blogger. I write a blog titled From My Brown Eyed View. My site can be found under http://www.msladydeborah.blogspot.com. I also am a member of African American Opinon. Which is a group of bloggers who publish on the same network. I will be joining the Afrosphere network in the near future. I will invite anyone who has an interest in learning about what is on the minds of black politicos about this political season to visit the blackblogosphere. You will find that we do not promote racist politics at all.

I also have to say that it is very obvious that the PO blogger has drank the Kool Aid himself. That is obvious by his remarks. He did not look at my blog posts at all. If he did~he would of learned about how my politcs match up with Obama's. But they were my politics before Obama ever announced his bid for office.

I found the comments that were posted on my blog to be no different than the feminist who want black women to forget who we are and support Hillary. I am a black woman. The two go together as my identity.

The individual is upset because I made a true statement about my intentions during this political season. I will not be voting for a white male. I am just one among many women who are going to make that manner of statement at the polls. All of Hillary's supporters are basically saying the same thing with their votes. And just for the record the black/white/and biracial members of my family have or will be voting for Barack.

We live in Ohio, Illinois, Vermont, New Mexico and all along the eastern seaboard. We are a diverse group ourselves. I have a brother who is going to vote for his party~The GOP.

Of course it did not occur to this particular individual that when we as black people deal with racism and racially aroused issues~it is not about getting another race. That attitude is an indication that he has not taken time to learn anything about contemporary African American Politics.

It does not seem that this individual has the ability to recognize that we are the group who deals with racism from all sectors regarding Obama politics. And he has not read enough about black on black political support to have an informed opinion.

And for his 411, not all black people are going to vote for tradtional party candidates. There is a diverse group of politicos who are actively supporting and educating people about their political choices.

If he had taken time to scroll down my site he would of seen that I am a Progessive Ohioan period. I write about health care, culture, voters rights and a lot of different subjects.

The only Kool Aid Kid that has been on my site is him. He has lumped me into his opinions and his fears. That is okay. I have had the experience before and it is nothing that I cannot handle.

But for those who want to look at what African American bloggers think and write about~please take time to visit the numerous sites that are up and working.

It is now the O~State's turn to participate in the process of selecting who will be the nominee for the presidential election.

I expect that this is going to be a very heated contest. After this past Tuesday on the Potomac, it is obvious that the next rounds of elections are going to be important to all of the candidates and their supporters.

Bring on the noise and bring on the stump! It is time to express our choices where it matters. A time when all the battling on the different issues comes to a reality point.

I am going to relish every moment of the events. The good, the bad and the ulgy! I am participating in one of the major historical events of this decade in the 21st Century.   Read More »

Over the past few months many of my friends in the blackblogosphere have been actively engaged in political discussions.

While we may not agree on who is the best candidate to represent the nation~there is one thing we agree on. We are all sick of the question.

Hello Miss, Mrs, Ms. Black Voter. I represent _______ news. I would like to know if you are going to vote for Obama because he is black or for Clinton because she is a female?

While it is suppose to be the way for us to express our political reasonings,it is really not a question that many of us are interesting in answering. Why? Because we are more interested in the issues.

But for some reason~no one ever asks us our opinion on what is poltically imprtant in terms of national politics. We have been confined to the identity issues of race and gender. Once that has been answered the discussion is over. The reporter smiles and the broadcast is over.

I now realize that the press will be paying attention to Ohio women. I am sure that they will be prepared to ask the question. And there will be black women who will give them their desired candidate and the reason why.

But there is a reality about African American politics that the media seems to be unable to grasp. We are a politically diverse group within this nation.

I know this would shock the sensibilities of those who believe that we are solely just Democrats. Or that a black Republican is as rare as hen's teeth.

However, if the media took some time to really check out black political thought, they would be surprised to learn that there are black people all over the political map this year.

I suspect that it would surprise many people in the public to learn that there are black women who are not going to even vote for either traditional party. They are opting for Green Party candidates and other alternative party runners. There are also conservative black women who are not thinking about a Democrat in office period. Not to mention those groups who like Edwards, Paul, Kucinich, Gravel and whoever in the hell else is running.

Of course those individuals are seldom sought out for questioning. It would probably be like making a special order at your favorite fast food resturant. The perception of different would be a temporary wrench in the works.

I am hoping that those of you have contacts in the media will inform their reporters that we are tired of the question. Eventually they will encounter a black woman who will say this before the camera and liberate us from being plauged by it any longer.

Why not surprise us by asking about the issues? It would be a refreshing change to hear what is on our minds around those topics. We spend a lot of time researching and discussing what we believe to important when selecting a national leader. Come on ask us a question about the economy, war, taxes, education, forgien or domestic policies.

While some women do not mind the press busting in while they are having their weekly hair or nail appointments~to ask the question, there are other places where we can be interviewed.
Try a new setting like a coffee shop or outside of homes or during a non political event. Do something radical like mix up the generations and learn what we think about in terms of politics.

I know that these proposed changes will be difficult at first. It seems that by asking the question so often it has become a comfortable format. However, with some practice, the press will discover that we actually have more on our minds than race and gender in this political season.

I have just completed writing a blog post that provides information about Barack Obama's faith and educational background on Progress Ohio. It is my public response to a letter in the Editoral Section of the Columbus Dispatch that was published on Sunday Feburary 3, 2008.

The contents of that particular letter to the editor is actually an e-mail from a smear campaign that has been circulating for awhile.

While the media can and certainly does select what will appear in publications and during broadcasts, it is time to put forth the challenge to provide accurate and non-biased information.

It is obvious that the writer is attempting to seed out misinformation to the readers of the Dispatch. This is not surprising since there is a possibility that Ohio will be one of the key states in the primary race.

The Columbus Dispatch is the recognized local paper. It has a responsibility to the people who read this publication. The publication of that particular letter from John A. Hughes is questionable. Especially since it is obvious that there are statements which are not accurate.

It is time to stop allowing the media to fuel fear and racism. This trend to create a wedge by using misinformation has got to be stopped.

I hope that all progressive people will check their media outlets and make sure that they are printing or broadcasting fairly.

This letter appeared on the Editorial Page of The Columbus Dispatch on Sunday February 3, 2008.

Don't take Oprah's word on ObamaSunday,  February 3, 2008 3:10 AM

Oprah Winfrey endorsed Democractic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama on her television show a short time ago. Right away we get the mob mentality and everyone wanted to jump on his bandwagon.

I suggest we take a closer look at Obama.

Granted, he is charismatic and articulate. However, he has Islamic roots, and attended school in Islamic Indonesia when his stepfather moved the family there.

Obama says he is a Christian and attends Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago.

Perhaps it would be wise to do a little research and go to the Web site of the church, www.tucc.org.

Personally, I found it a little disturbing. Judge for yourself.

JOHN A. HUGHES
Columbus

 The sender of this particular correspondance has raised concerns based on an e mail that was sent to him.  That does not bother me.  Questioning and rasising concerns helps to open the door of opportunity.  In Mr. Hughes case he can use a lesson in Black History and African American Culture as it is actually practiced in the United States.

I welcome the opportunity to provide Mr. Hughes and others with information that will hopefully give a different perspective of our cultural hertiage.

   Read More »

On the 22 of January at the Ohio State House, a luncheon is being held and members of the Komen Columbus Affiliates will be joining local television personalities, health officials, lawmakers and community members for a discussion. The subject will be closing the gap for Ohio women in the area of breast cancer treatment.

This is the information that captured my attention.

Did you know that Ohio ranks 34 in the nation in the incidence of breast cancer: yet, we have the fourth highest breast cancer in the United States?

I read that information and had to let it sink in. Ohio women have the fourth highest breast cancer mortality rate in the nation? This prompted me to RSVP. I want to know why the mortality rate is so high. I also want to hear what is going to be done to rectify this situation…

Inadequate Funding for Screening Programs

Until just this year, the state screening program only received federal funding and did not receive any state dollars. Due to lack of funding, the Ohio Breast and Cervical Cancer Project screened fewer than 10,000 - only 10 percent - of the uninsured or underinsured women eligible for the program.   Read More »

I received an email today that is really disturbing to me as an Ohioan. The information indictates that the GOP has scheduled a partisan meeting to discuss the proposed changes in the voting machines.

This is not how I expect any lawmaker in this state to conduct their business! Especially if it is about voting. That is why there is bipartisan representation. So that neither party has the advantage over the other.

The right to vote has already been compromised in this state. It is no secret that the voters of the state feel very unsure that our elections are being conducted in an honest manner.

That is not the way any citizen of Ohio should feel about any of our fundamental rights.   Read More »

I attended Roots Camp for the first time. I came to check out exactly what happens at this type of event. Now that I have participated in the camp experience, it is easier to understand the overall concept. Active learning is the best way to gain information and knowledge.

It was also a great way to do some real time networking. I had the opportunity to meet some of the other organizers and learn what is on the minds of other Ohioans.   Read More »

I had an ah ha! moment on last Friday evening. It came while I was on the corner of Broad and High Streets. There was a conversation that was going on about the recent election. I listened as a group of adults gave their opinions about the recent results. There was a continuing doubt that was expressed about voting, that did not surprise me. The belief that the process has been tampered with so much- that it is not worth the effort anymore. The group of individuals that were having this discussion were people who have not received informaiton about reform efforts. I mentioned this to see if they were aware of what has happened around this issue. No one in the group knew anything about the reforms in Ohio.   Read More »

The results are in. TOur votes have been counted. The candidates are either on their way to their respective offices in the next couple of months. Or they will be preparing to leave their offices.
The issues have either been approved or rejected. The election is over.

I voted at the Board of Elections last week. I wanted to see if the process was in line with Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner's plan for reform. I am glad to report that my voting experience was a positive one. It is good to know that there is a real effort being made to respect the rights of voters.

It is time for us to make our decisions public. The candidates and the issues that are of importance to our local community have been presented. There is no more reason to listen to the platforms. There is no more reason to watch ads. There is no more reason to sit and listen to speeches. It is time to vote.

This public expression of acceptance or rejection is the one act that we do for the common good. This is when we all have to decide what will be a part of our total experience as a community. This is when we select the individuals who will be responsible for our entire population. No matter where you reside. If it is voting day, that is the reason for the opportunity. To collectively decide who will be in charge. To express the type of style that will be used for our respective places of residence.

We are really not without reasons that validate staying away. The problems that we have encountered at the polls. The lack of real interest that has come from those problems. That is enough to deter the best voter into avoiding a repeat. When it appears that there is no one who represents our interests. When it appears that there has been an attempt to keep us from voting. It really taints the process with discouragement. It makes what has power to seem lesser in impact but that is not the true characteristic of a vote. We should not be willing to tolerate any attempt to hinder that exercise of power. That is how our society handles business. By allowing a say so about the business of government.

Staying away from the polls only continues to support the ideas of exclusion. By not participating in this process there is a message that is being generated. It is one that says, I cannot decide what to do. That is the message that projects. No matter what you think about any particular party line or candidate, if you do not express that opinion in a vote. What way of expression do you have that will be productive? Saying nothing is an answer. That is also the opening for whatever the majority says, to be the policies that govern your life.

By not voting, you are saying in essence, I am not aware enough to be involved in the process. But in reality, that statement is not true. You are a resident in your community. You live there. You work there. You have reasons to speak up about what happens. Just by virtue of your presence. Because what does or does not occur will effect you also.   Read More »

I received this information yesterday. If you feel that this is an issue you can support, please contact our senators and representatives. The organization is The Color of Change. A national activist group for African Americans and all people in need of help.


Dear Friends,
Finally, there's a bill in Congress that would help some of the hardest hit Katrina survivors come back home. Unfortunately, it is about to die because some members of the Senate think it's fine for certain New Orleanians--specifically those who are Black and poor--to be shut out of the city.

I just called on my senators to support the Gulf Coast Housing Recovery Act of 2007 (S. 1668). It would re-open desperately needed housing and make sure there is no loss of affordable public housing in New Orleans. Please join me by contacting your senators. It takes just a moment:

http://www.colorofchange.org/housing/?id=2300-453092

Saving Affordable Housing in New Orleans

New Orleans public housing residents have been fighting for over two years to return to apartments that were minimally damaged by the storm. But the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has shut them out, because it wants to demolish most of the available public housing units. It's plan is replace them with far fewer mixed-income housing units[1], which would force thousands of mostly Black low-income residents out of the city.

S.1668 honors the right to return of all New Orleans public housing residents. It requires the re-opening of at least 3,000 public housing units and ensures that there is no net loss of units available and affordable to public housing residents. It also designates $1.7 billion for rental housing assistance and earmarks millions for community development programs, which will benefit an even larger segment of the lower income population. But the bill is in danger of dying -- because some senators are opposed to preserving affordable public housing.

It's hard to know what motivates each senator, but it's an open secret that many folks have a desire to see a richer and Whiter post-Katrina New Orleans, and many of them have a great deal of political influence. Senators like David Vitter (La.) and Richard Shelby (Al.) appear to be playing to those interests by standing in the way of this legislation, and others are following their lead. If they win, it will be yet another instance of the federal government abandoning those most vulnerable during and after Katrina.

The Gulf Coast needs a housing policy that welcomes all citizens home, especially those who need the most help coming home. Senate bill 1668 is an opportunity to do that. Please join us in demanding that your senator support the bill.

http://www.colorofchange.org/housing/?id=2300-453092

Thanks.

I am still feeling my way around this site. Trying to decided what is going to be my blog focus. There are issues of concern that are straight across the board. I am an Ohioan. What happens here has a direct effect on me.

There are also the concerns that I have as a person of color. Those are just as important. Finding resources that provide news for local concerns is really a challenge. Especially if I have to rely on the local printed resources. I have no qualms about the bias that is used in the printed media. and visual media. I just wrote a blog about that very subject.

I am a member of an African American blog group. Finding media resources that provide information is not easy. We have a cross section of those resources. The organizations publish and broadcast daily. We are the focal group of those news organizations.   Read More »

I just finished taking a ProgressOhio site tour. I read an article of interest in the ProgressOhio Education that I must comment on. It is about Early Childhood Education.

I am an Early Childhood Educator. I have worked in the field for 18 years. I am no longer a classroom teacher. I will always be an advocate for young children and their families. I find it interesting that there are some needed upgrades happening in this area.   Read More »

There is a message that is being sent to black voters by the GOP frontrunners. It is beginning to appear that we are not a group that they are interested in presenting their views to.
The Congressional Black Caucas Institute had scheduled a debate on November 4th, that is now cancelled. There seems to be a lot of scheduling conflicts whenever the opportunity arises for GOP frontrunners to address the black community. The same problem occured when a debate hosted by Tavis Smiley took place in September.   Read More »

I read the local newspaper once a week. It is a part of my weekend ritual to purchase a Sunday edition of the paper. I usually read sections all during the week.
There is a story in the Columbus Dispatch's Metro & State section (Sunday October 28, 2006) which caught my eye. The headline reads, "Service to seniors could end". This definitely is of interest to me. My parents are seniors. I must admit that in a few years that will be a part of my identification. So any issue that will effect the quality of life in this age group, is of concern to me.   Read More »

I will start my first blog with a brief introduction to everyone.
I am a mature woman of color. I am a mother and a grandmother.
I am currently on lay off status from my teaching position. I worked in the field of Early Childhood Education in Columbus for the past 18 years.
While I am looking for a new employment situation in an entirely different field, I decided to get back into political activism.

Currently, I am working with the Obama '08 Supporters here in Columbus, Ohio. I decided that his political stances are ones that I can relate to and support. I am active in building a base here in Columbus.   Read More »