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The Nasty Fight among Republicans for House Speaker Gets Nastier

NNPA NEWSWIRE — On Tuesday, Oct. 24, House Republicans plan to hold a candidate forum to assess the contenders, and it remains to be seen who will emerge as the top choice to lead the party in the House of Representatives.
The post The Nasty Fight among Republicans for House Speaker Gets Nastier first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

1 year ago

October 23, 2023

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

In the high-stakes Speaker of the House race, nine Republican candidates have stepped forward to vie for the gavel. Ohio GOP Rep. Jim Jordan’s withdrawal ignited a contest that brought new and familiar faces to the forefront, while all 212 Democrats continue to support House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a path forward to electing someone to lead the chamber remains unclear. The competition among the candidates remains fierce, with each aspiring to secure the elusive 217 votes needed from the House Republicans to claim the top spot in the House of Representatives. Here’s a look at the contenders:

Tom Emmer: The House majority whip from Minnesota has positioned himself as a candidate committed to delivering “historic change.” His bid received early support from Rep. Kevin McCarthy, who praised Emmer’s experience and ability to step into the role on day one.
Kevin Hern: The Oklahoma Republican, chair of the influential Republican Study Committee, is working hard to gather support. His earlier nomination by the House Freedom Caucus in a previous race indicates his conservative solid credentials.
Jack Bergman: A 40-year veteran of the US Marines, Bergman has a unique background. His military service and experience on the House Armed Services Committee have bolstered his qualifications for the Speaker’s position.
Austin Scott: The seven-term congressman from Georgia is a vocal ally of McCarthy and is making another run for Speaker. He emphasizes his long career in business and his dedication to conservative principles.
Byron Donalds: A Florida Republican and Freedom Caucus member, Donalds seeks the speakership to promote a conservative vision for the House and the American people. His alignment with far-right members was evident in previous protests McCarthy.
Mike Johnson: The Louisiana Republican, who serves as the House Republican Conference vice chairman, has also thrown his hat into the ring. He emphasizes his experience and dedication to the conservative cause.
Pete Sessions: Hailing from Texas, Sessions describes himself as a “conservative leader who can unite the conference.” His past leadership roles in the National Republican Congressional Committee and House Rules Committee bolster his credentials.
Dan Meuser: Announced as a candidate by House GOP conference chair Elise Stefanik, Meuser brings business and political experience. His position on the Financial Services and Small Business Committees adds to his qualifications.
Gary Palmer: The Alabama Republican and chairman of the Republican Policy Committee is in the running. Palmer has advocated for conservative values and has experience on various House committees.

On Tuesday, Oct. 24, House Republicans plan to hold a candidate forum to assess the contenders, and it remains to be seen who will emerge as the top choice to lead the party in the House of Representatives. In the background, the recent removal of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) continues to cast a shadow, particularly as the Nov. 17 government shutdown date approaches and war rages in the Middle East and in the North between Russia and Ukraine. Meanwhile, Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.) sent a scathing letter to Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and the other seven MAGA Republicans who supported the vote to remove McCarthy.

Multiple congressional journalists posted the sarcastic but damning message online. McClintock responded to an earlier letter that Gaetz and his far-right extremist wing of the Republican Party sent to their colleagues. Those who opposed Jordan’s speakership indicated that if it required something to persuade them to “vote with the team,” those lawmakers were “prepared to accept censure, suspension, or removal” from the conference. Although he claimed it was an error, Rep. Ken Buck of Colorado, the eighth vote-getter who supported McCarthy’s removal, was also mentioned in the letter.

“Dear wayward colleagues,” McClintock’s letter began. “Your letter of October 20, in which you graciously offer to martyr yourselves as long as you can get your way, is perhaps the most selfless act in American history.” He continued, “I was certain that your stirring example of party discipline and loyalty to ‘vote with the team,’ as you so eloquently phrased it, would have inspired our Republican colleagues’ who refuse to vote’ with the Republican majority.” “We truly don’t deserve you,” he wrote.

McClintock suggested that his colleagues “plan your martyrdom in the only way that truly matters: to have the wisdom to see the damage you have done to our country and to have the courage to set things right before it is too late.” He said he had included a proposed resolution “that perhaps one of you can offer as we begin the fourth week of national paralysis and as the world burns around us.” He signed off: “Your secret admirer, Tom McClintock.”

The post The Nasty Fight among Republicans for House Speaker Gets Nastier first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Stacy M. Brown

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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.

Oakland Post

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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