Supreme Court Confronts a Mystery

Was looking for news today and ran into Elizabeth de la Vega’s, “The Supreme Court Confronts a Mystery”, found in the on-line blog “truthout.org”. It is a story that conjured up nightmares of the Scottsboro Boys case and the discussion on whether or not the courts should have declared a reversal of findings. Even when the evidence was apparent.

William Osborne, 36, was convicted of rape, kidnapping and assault in 1993. (Photo: Bill Roth / Anchorage Daily News) the court still ruled that a rape had taken place although one of the girls in question said “it never happened”. When I ran into the Osborne case, I began to wonder who was the attorney for this case and why weren’t we hearing more about it in the commercial news? Personally, I get tired of seeing the repeat of finding men trying to molest children as a weekly diet of “news”. If anything it should be quite simple. Read them their rights, provide the evidence (the film) and prosecute accordingly, I don’t need to see repeat performances and seeing men in the process of rape is not entertaining. Maybe I’m stretching it, but my point is, someone is serving time for evidence that is available and apparent but not being used. The Osborne case does make you scratch your head and say, “what were they thinking” or ask yourself “is Alaska in the United States of America where they hide the evidence”? http://www.truthout.org/030309J

And to think this man has been incarcerated without due process with the evidence against him for years. You might join me in paying attention to the Supreme Court ruling on this one. . .

JUNE CROSS REVEALED

A fellow Democrat sent me a copy of Women network blog. In it was a little gem regarding a PBS Frontline story “Secret Daughter” June Cross, who happened to be the stepdaughter of Norma Greaves-Cross, the wife of Larry Stroch from F –Troop, is showcased. The subtitle tells it all, “A mixed raced daughter and the mother who gave her away”. Published by Viking Press, #ISBN 067088555X

Cross says her mother referred to “Surrendering her upbringing”, meant pretending to be adopted when she would visit her mother. The problem was a discussion on how many individuals who had children in and out of wedlock from bi-racial parents and parents who had children from other racial makeup’s. I had to keep remembering how miscegenation was prevalent and extremely frowned on in the American culture especially in the 40’s and 50’s.

During the summer months when June went to visit her mother in Hollywood, as a little girl, she would refer to her white mother as ‘Aunt Norma’ so that the friends and neighbors didn’t know that she was in fact her daughter. June is also the daughter of James Cross, an African American Vaudeville actor. The picture to the left is a recent picture of Cross with Larry Stroch.

According to my Hollywood sources complications may have been in effect when Peggy Ryan married James Cross in 1945; they were divorced in 1952. Peggy Ryan was also known by her maiden name Margaret O'Rene Ryan on 28 August 1924 in Long Beach, California - but who died on 30 October 2004 from a stroke in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ryan was also known for her high kicking American dancing and costarred in a series of movie musicals at Universal Studios tapping with Donald O'Connor. Sorry I digressed but the point was, the company that her parents kept would have been legendary had she had the opportunity to benefit from their resources, however, even though Cross was raised by a middle-income African American family located in Atlantic City. She was able to attend Harvard University, became a journalist and a documentarian. After the documentary aired according to cross, many of her mother’s friends who were liberal distanced themselves from her saying she misled them. While her conservative friends felt empathy for her. Cross apparently thought the mother’s friends would only find compassion for her discretions. Cross says the book and documentary have been therapeutic to her and her mother.

My mother used to say to me all the time, what happens in the dark, will eventually come to light, be sure whatever you do, it is something that you will not be ashamed of once it is revealed. So walk like God is always present was advice that I never forgot and am pleased that text messaging and videoing isn’t as prevalent as it is now. . .
I can only assume now that we have am African-American president who is too a product of a mixed-racial relationship that we will be hearing more stories and “confessionals” that will strike the compassionate chord in all of us. . . Peace out, Minerva

REFERENCES:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/secret/discuss/react1.html
http://www.secretdaughter.com/
http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm?aid=3951

EARNED INDIGNATION

There has been increasing disgust towards AIG in the past week. You would have to say that AIG earned the indignation considering the federal bailout and that the same division that almost bankrupted the company is now receiving bonuses for their risky and flagrant behavior. Because the employees almost succeeded at destroying the company, they are revered. Maybe the goal was to show, that even if they did destroy the company, that being so large the American people and our American government, who are so enamored over the glorification of money, would worship these employees. Who took the short bet that the demise of Mega Corporation would only make our government comfort and protect all them from normal bankruptcy laws, and keep them afloat? I bet you wish you had a stake in it.

As one commentary read in Salon Magazine, “Life was really sucking chicken boogers” and then the hilarious review on AIG came along causing him a gutbucket-laughing season that many similar readers needed. I was not able to laugh; maybe I take losing millions of hard working Americans’ money too seriously.

Obama may change his slogan at the bequest of Jay Leno on next Thursday with, “Oh, no you don’t”. Moreover, I would second that recommendation. In addition, I hope Leno is able to hear a candid Barack Obama commit on this incident.

Maybe I should not be so harsh considering I got a call from them the other day, asking if I were interested in immediate employment. I asked, “But aren’t you guys going bankrupt?”
“No”, the enthusiastic head hunter replied, “that’s the media for you, they say the funniest things you know . . .” I held on to the line not knowing whether to sigh or ask more questions. I did neither; she continued, “Will you please send your resume to the following fax number and we’ll call you back for an interview”. I wrote the fax number down but still have not faxed the resume.

We need to stop idolizing people who make their money off the backs of those who do not know the meaning behind the “fine print”. We need to reassess our cultural adaptation that lucre is not filthy that it purchases us prestige, power, and respect. We need to address our narcissistic morality that only applies when our reckless attitudes and behavior puts the spotlight on us. Or maybe we need to recommend that those financial planners involved in the economic disaster hold hands aligning Wall Street and take a huge suicide pact at noon, then we won’t have to put their parents, family members, and neighbors through the humiliation of seeing them answering to grand juries, trials, and media empathy. While we are at it, allow the insurance companies to pay the widows, widowers and beneficiaries unless they too are in the financial industry. This would solve some economic problems; it would stimulate the funeral industry and all of the supportive small businesses: floral shops, limousine services, casket makers, the Neptune society, black ready wear, mortgage lending, church services and the divesting of property. Need I say more? This might also send a message to those who are supposed to be in the people business that they have an obligation to the people they serve. However, you know this will not happen, because we revere moneychangers. Maybe Jesus knew what he was doing when he turned over their temple tables. I can think of a couple 401K portfolio planners’ asses I would like to kick also especially when you know they had to know.

Minerva Leah Williams

WHAT NO ONE KNEW

“Don’t you destroy enough dough on your own show” says Stewart referring to Jim Cramer. . .(Thursday, March 12, 2009)

“Don’t you destroy enough dough on your own show” says Stewart referring to Jim Cramer. . .(Thursday, March 12, 2009). Not wasting any time or jokes, John Stewart, host of the Daily Show, introduced Jim Cramer, “How the hell did we get here?” I just want you to know that after receiving some cream pie on your jacket that the question of the economy is not being personally directed to you but it remains to be seen how no one knew what was going on in the money markets.”

The show having been billed as “Brawl Street”, the 12 minutes is becoming a Favorite “go time” episode on Twitter. Presumably angry with John Stewart, who has been reaming the entire news and financial networks for not warning the American public of the economic condition the United States is now under. Jim Cramer walking to the guest chair, donning one of his signature blue wrinkled shirts, rolled up sleeves and pink tie swaying replies, “We should have seen it coming more and it is a terrible one and everyone got it wrong . . . no one should be spared.” Cramer, who is a political humorists normally bearish and host of CNBC “Mad Money” Show spoke towards the economic mess we are all in.

“The gap between the CNBC snake oil, as a vitamin tonic is real in America”, says Stewart. “There are two types of people who are financial professionals and exposing transactional markets and those that will come on the program and lie when you ask them the direct questions,” responded Cramer.

“We are capitalizing your venture”, said Stewart, “a game that you know well, and you go on a television network and pretend it is not going on. News mediums should call out shenanigans, uptake rules, and designing hedge funds.” Stewart went on to show a segment where Cramer tells another commentator on another financial show that “hedge funds regulate great excitement”. Cramer smirking at Stewart drops his head and wrings his hands, the first open sign of guilt.

“I’ll try doing that, I’ll do better, I promise”, says Cramer.

The financial news is often omission of the facts and how the facts are attained. Having CEO’s come on any show lying will make you remember the tobacco companies in the middle 90-s lying about smoking does not harm your health. The current situation is not any better, i.e. Bear Sterns, AIG, Countrywide, Bank of America, Lehman Brothers and other markets knew they are engaging in risky business and packaging their product to foreign markets is just as despicable and we wonder why the world thinks we are arrogant, heartless and obsessed with materialism. Yeah, and it looks like we will bend any established rule to get to the soul of the issue” to possess money and power” at anyone’s expense.

Yes, Cramer may make finance entertaining and interesting to watch but Stewart told him “it is not a game when you are taking someone’s hard earned money, life savings and making a game out of it”.

Without question, there was little concern and care about the American public while the money lenders not only took risks with American capitol but they also earned huge bonuses and pensions for themselves some even admitting that it was the most money they had made in their lives. Cramer confessed that he did not think that Bears & Stern were going to take America in.

Stewart continued, when the banks are trading our assets at 35:1, you do not think that something is going to break in the process? Cramer retorted, well from 1999 through 2006 people were making money hand over fist and no one was complaining. You would have thought someone was asking questions then, but as long as Americans were making money, no one cared. Stewart responded, “Selling the idea that you don’t have to do anything, sit back and we’ll do it for you is wrong”. Therefore, what it was worth, Cramer eventually admitted that he and many of his financial friends knew that something terribly was wrong and he too failed to admit it on his financial show!

Many of the people that were fleeced will not have time to make that money back and then who will take care of them in their old age. Stewart went on to say that “you can draw a straight line from some of the situation on your show and see those same behaviors were going on in the larger market and weren’t those markets huge. Trillions of dollars”,

“Where are the indictments for AIG?” says Cramer, looking wide-eyed and confused. Not losing a beat or allowing for empathy, Stewart continued, “It seems like your show” and those shows like yours “need to reconcile knowing that they were aware that the financial industry was on a Sherman March with our pension plans, savings, and 401k plans and selling the idea of don’t do anything, sit back and we will take care of you.

Someone needs to be made accountable for what has happened. Reactivating the * Glass-Steagall Act may not be enough. Since ethics went out the window long time ago, we need to rewrite the relationships between the Security Exchange Commission, the brokers, corporations they regulate, the markets they oversee and a whole new crop of regulators need to be heavily screened and hired. Anyone who participated in the debacles need their licensed retired forever. However, will we ever see such strong retribution? Not likely. Unfortunately, President Obama is trying to put a harness on the moving locomotive and find the brakes, but there does not seem to be a caboose on the train either which is why the Republicans rationalize, they do not want any parts of the stimulus package. Nevertheless, where were they when the train was being signaled on to the tracks? Maybe like some Democrats who were too busy running to the bank?

We can only pray that there is at the next station and an experienced brakeman can stop the train. . .

RESOURCES:
1. See: http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes/index.jhtml?episodeId=220533

2. See http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=220534&title=intro-brawl-street-get-ready-to&byDate=true

3. What Does Glass-Steagall Act Mean? An act passed by Congress in 1933 that prohibited commercial banks from collaborating with full-service brokerage firms or participating in investment banking activities.

Watermelons on the White House Lawn

According to the Orange County Register, he didn't send in in his official capacity however, but Dean Grose, the mayor of Orange County obvious thought there was "real humor" behind emailing this to a Keyanus Price, African American business woman.

Read the article, then get back to me . . .


http://www.ocregister.com/articles/mail-price-public-2317355-apology-people

Mayor Dean Grose's apology letter to the City Council, Price and her boss

I am deeply embarrassed in receiving your email, and for any harm or hurt that it may have caused. It was poor judgement on my part and was never intended to be offensive to Ms. Price, your company or anyone in the African American Community. I have exchanged emails with Ms. Price in the past.

I can fully understand your concerns and comments. Please be advised that I have left a voice mail for Ms. Price and will also be sending her a separate email with my apology. You can be assured that I will not allow this to happen again. I in no way was representing the City of Los Alamitos, or my role as a council member in sending this out and it went via my private business email. That doesn't justify the fact that it was sent, however, we gratefully appreciate the contributions that your company makes to our community and I wish to publically apologize to anyone within the firm or organization that may have been offended.

I am truly sorry.

Dean Grose

Well the ACLU doesn't think it is funny either . . . And someone asked me, "since Obama is in the White House, you don't need Black History any more, do you?" I'm waiting for that apology also. . . Peace Out,

BLOG: Saturday, January 31, 2009. I’m happy to hear that on last Thursday, the United States Senate followed the United States House in passing a reauthorization of a child health insurance bill. I do remember twice Bush vetoed this bill. Just imagine 4 million more children in America will have access to health insurance, isn’t that a huge post Bush phenomenon. Another positive sign that the boat has oars with a new helmsman! Right on Obama.

Hope springs eternal and that even the Republicans are seeing change by having former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele, an African American at the lead. Depending on which Republican media pundit you listen to, they would have you believe that Steele’s role is just for PR purposes. Bull. Last I heard the person sitting on the top of the Republican Party had to be a “damn good fundraiser”, and in this economic market where money isn’t falling from the trees anymore, even banks are standing in line begging for governmental support. Now how effective Steele will be with his moderate views makes politics so interesting. Yes, bedfellows in politics get a little weirder and weirder if you take the time to read, to listen and to watch.

Some republicans are trying to say that media commentators weren’t saying that Mr. Blago Bully was a democrat. Blago was voted out of office and out of politics by a group of his own peers and the fallout from the criminal charges are still left to be resolved. Yes, he is a democrat and his behavior based on the information that we were provided was horrible. But I don’t remember anyone NOT saying he wasn’t the democratic governor from Illinois. What does raise my eyebrows was that Democratic strategist James Carvell originally poo-pooed the idea that Blago was under scrutiny in the first place and he said “there is wheeling and dealing going on all the time”. So is this why Blago doesn’t think he did anything wrong?

Hopefully there won’t be large court scenarios but the way Blago went out was heartbreaking to see a man who doesn’t know when he is caught. And if in fact this was politics as usual, I’m sure there are folks scrambling to clean house. Speaking of cleaning house. . . How many flaws can you find in this write up? On reading the White House Blog I found this little gem:


43. GEORGE W. BUSH 2001-2009
George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States, was sworn into office on January 20, 2001, re-elected on November 2, 2004, and sworn in for a second term on January 20, 2005. Prior to his Presidency, President Bush served for 6 years as the 46th Governor of the State of Texas, where he earned a reputation for bipartisanship and as a compassionate conservative who shaped public policy based on the principles of limited government, personal responsibility, strong families, and local control.
President Bush was born on July 6, 1946, in New Haven, Connecticut, and grew up in Midland and Houston, Texas. He received a bachelor’s degree in history from Yale University in 1968, and then served as an F-102 fighter pilot in the Texas Air National Guard. President Bush received a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School in 1975. Following graduation, he moved back to Midland and began a career in the energy business. After working on his father’s successful 1988 Presidential campaign, President Bush assembled the group of partners who purchased the Texas Rangers baseball franchise in 1989. On November 8, 1994, President Bush was elected Governor of Texas. He became the first Governor in Texas history to be elected to consecutive 4-year terms when he was re-elected on November 3, 1998.
President Bush worked with the Congress to create an ownership society and build a future of security, prosperity, and opportunity for all Americans. He signed into law tax relief that helped workers keep more of their hard-earned money, as well as the most comprehensive education reforms in a generation, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. This legislation ushered in a new era of accountability, flexibility, local control, and more choices for parents, affirming our Nation’s fundamental belief in the promise of every child. President Bush also worked to improve healthcare and modernize Medicare, providing the first-ever prescription drug benefit for seniors; increase homeownership, especially among minorities; conserve our environment; and increase military strength, pay, and benefits. Because President Bush believed the strength of America lies in the hearts and souls of our citizens, he supported programs that encourage individuals to help their neighbors in need.
On the morning of September 11, 2001, terrorists attacked our Nation. President Bush took unprecedented steps to protect our homeland and create a world free from terror. He was grateful for the service and sacrifice of our brave men and women in uniform and their families. The President believed that by helping build free and prosperous societies, our Nation and our friends and allies can succeed in making America more secure and the world more peaceful.
President Bush is married to Laura Welch Bush, a former teacher and librarian, and they have twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna. The Bush family also includes two dogs, Barney and Miss Beazley, and a cat, Willie.

I thought it was an amazing play on wording and one day maybe I’ll meet the wordsmith who must have been having a hard time putting this together.
See y’all later, Todd says there is no maid here, so I have a house to clean today . . . Minerva

A PICTURE SAYS A MILLION WORDS . . .

BLOG January 30, 2009. If you want to see an awesome picture of the inaugurational address, please check out Photographer David Bergman who is putting the “aweeeeeee luckie here” in a photo:

http://www.davidbergman.net/blog/2009/01/22/how-i-made-a-1474-megapixel-photo-during-president-obamas-inaugural-address/

I was totally surprise to find this little gem. He took a gigapan imager that consists of 220 shots all integrated into one enormous photograph. In his own words:
“My final photo is made up of 220 Canon G10 images and the file is 59,783 X 24,658 pixels or 1,474 megapixels. It took more than six and a half hours for the Gigapan software to put together all of the images on my Macbook Pro and the completed TIF file is almost 2 gigabytes.”
You can use the controls to zoom and pan around the photo.
You can also double click to zoom in and double click again to get even closer and see the scene in amazing detail and clarity.
And you can see close-up the expressions of your favorite — and least favorite — politicians and dignitaries as Obama makes his inaugural address.
After viewing this for over 30 minutes, I found the picture will take you into the crowd that is so vivid you will get to feeling of the largeness of the audience, expressions on people’s faces, and an instant in time. I’m sure you’ll never think of a photograph as “just another shot again”. The high resolution was astounding to me. The shot is also for sale framed, with and without the logo and in full color! I encourage you to go see this for yourself. ---- Minerva