Politics

It was hardly noticed recently when the White House issued a statement by President Obama commemorating Haitian Flag Day, a holiday not widely noted by Americans. “The United States and Haiti share a deeply intertwined history and a long-standing friendship,” the statement said, noting the president’s “steadfast commitment to come to the aid of those…

LONDON—At 79, Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott is recognized as one of the greatest writers in the world. He is also presumably not at the height of his sexual prowess. However, during his recent bid for the prestigious role as poetry professor at Oxford University, 25-year-old allegations of sexual harassment resurfaced and ignited a very public…

Stimulus Package is Quietly Improving Things While We Loudly Discuss Sonia Sotomayor Jack and Jill Politics (via Daily Kos) tells us that amid the current tough times, there are some improvement being brought to the lives of the American people through the Stimulus. Since going green is sexy these days, much of the improvement is…

Sotomayor, Ricci, and the Politics of Affirmative Action Real Clear Politics delivers a fascinating article discussing Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor and her position on Affirmative Action, particularly with regard to Frank Ricci and whether or not he can benefit from it. Sotomayor was on the appellate court that ruled against Ricci in his case…

Leo Jackson, New England’s First Black Mayor, Dies Leo Jackson, who first became mayor of New London, Connecticut in 1980, has died BET reports. A selection by his city council peers with a vote of confidence from then-President Jimmy Carter, Jackson only served one one-year term, but remained on the city council an additional thirteen…

“Are you disappointed?” my Latino colleague tentatively asked when I called to share in the excitement of the Sotomayor moment. I knew what he meant. Not that I’m not thrilled with the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor. It’s an important and historic nomination of a brilliant judge whose life story resonates deeply not only with…

Burris and Blago’s Bro Caught Being Buddy Buddy on Wiretap USA Today reports that FBI wiretap transcripts released Tuesday show that Illinois Senator Roland Burris and Robert Blagojevich, head of his brother’s campaign fund, were in cahoots regarding the senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama. On the tape from November 13th, Burris promises to…

In 1998, then-Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, Mississippi Republican, decided to delay the vote on the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to sit on the United States Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit. The reason was simple: Republicans feared that if Judge Sotomayor were quickly seated on the Court of Appeals, she would rise…

Mike Tyson’s Daughter Succumbs to Injuries MSN reports that Exodus Tyson, the 4-year old daughter of former heavyweight champ Mike Tyson has died after being involved in a hanging accident involving a treadmill at home. She had been in extremely critical condition since yesterday after being found by her brother and rushed to the hospital.…

Mike Tyson’s Daughter in Critical Condition after Accident Bossip reports that Mike Tyson’s 4-year old daughter Exodus is on life support and in “extremely critical condition” after an accident involving a treadmill. It appears the child became entangled in a cord that hangs beneath the machine’s console and was unable to free herself. Her brother found her…