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COMMENTARY: The Real Issues with the Government Shutdown

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The American people need to put the pressure on Republican Senators who place more value on standing with the President in his insanity than keeping their Oath of Office — which is a sworn commitment to uphold the Constitution of the United States “So help them God…”

Published

6 years ago

January 24, 2019

Oakland Post

By Dr. John E. Warren, Publisher of the San Diego Voice & Viewpoint

The media and the public have given too much attention to Donald Trump the man and the President and not enough to this system of government we have with built-in checks and balances. Case in point: instead of spending so much time arguing with Trump, why don’t the media and the American people focus on the process that allows a solution. Please follow the explanation about to be given about the available process for ending this matter.

Trump is relying upon Mitch McConnell and his pledge not to bring any bill to the floor of the U.S. Senate for a vote unless he knows, in advance, that the President will approve. The U.S. Senate has the ability to gather enough signatures of sitting senators to not only bring the bill to the floor of the Senate, but also to guarantee an override of a Presidential Veto by Trump. Such a bill already passed the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate before the Christmas holidays. The problem is that, with the Republicans staying committed to Trump and not the American people who put them in office, the bill would not have survived a Presidential Veto.

If it takes 60 Senators in the Senate to override McConnell and put the measure to a vote and there are only 47 democrats and independents, then a minimum of 13 Republican Senators need to break ranks with McConnell and the President and end the shutdown, even if that’s by an override of a Trump Veto.

The American people who are concerned about the shutdown and missed paychecks need to put the pressure on the Republican Senators who place more value on standing with the President in his insanity than keeping their Oath of Office, which is a sworn commitment to uphold the Constitution of the United States “So help them God,” and not upholding the President of the United States.

The issue here should not be Democrat or Republican, it should be what’s good for this nation during a time of a fabricated crisis with elected officials putting politics over the business of the American people.

America, the focus has to be on the Republican members of the U.S. Senate who feel that they are so safe as to be insulated against public opinion on this issue. Let’s call them out one by one.

Secondly, let’s put the spotlight on the 25th Amendment the U.S. Constitution which speaks to removing the President when he becomes “unable to fulfill the duties of his office.”

We have a government with checks and balances, with separation of powers grounded in the Constitution as our governing document. We cannot and must not allow politics to circumvent our system of government. Let’s find those 13 senators, break up the McConnell Block and end this shutdown and get on with the business of government with people getting paid for the work they have been hired to do.

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COMMENTARY: Preventing the Fall of America

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org