There are many things I do not understand about Republicans. Plenty. But, what I cannot get is how any woman, Democrat or Republican, could vote against the Violence Against Women Act. This act covers The White House issued an official pdf of what VAWA is. It is very detailed. Quite simply, it protects women. End of discussion. So as a woman, how could you vote against it? There has to be a special place in hell for the women who did not stand up for this particular act to be made into law. I don't even have the energy to go in on this subject. And, I truly don't have to. Thankfully, it was passed and President Obama signed it into law. Below are the main points of the new law. Happy that it exists.
The Violence Against Women laws provide programs and services, including:
Federal rape shield law.
Community violence prevention programs.
Protections for victims who are evicted from their homes because of events related to domestic violence or stalking.
Funding for victim assistance services, like rape crisis centers and hotlines.
Programs to meet the needs of immigrant women & women of different races or ethnicities.
Programs and services for victims with disabilities.
The NRA is full of it. Completely and totally. I've never been an advocate of guns. Never. I hate them. I don't want to touch them or shoot them or own them. That's just my personal opinion. That is not my issue with the NRA. My main issue with them now is this ridiculous ad they just released. The NRA's ad questions why the President's daughters has Secret Service men protecting them. Really? Seriously? The NRA's response to the horror that was the Sandy Hook shooting was to insist that the only thing that will stop a bad guy with a gun is more guns. And, that all schools should be policed more heavily with armed guards. Our President is vehemently opposed to this plan of action as am I. That won't solve the issue at all. The above ad is just sickening. As President, his life and the life of his family is of high priority. Presidents and their families are afforded this protection because it is needed. I have never known of any other President's family being protected by Secret Service being questioned. No one really wants to send their kids to school with guards. We need to figure out a solution. Gun laws need to be tightened. Kids need to be protected at school and in their neighborhoods. The NRA needs to offer solutions or shut up. The President needs to put his foot down on the neck of Congress and the House and get laws passed. But, bottom line, this ad is disrespectful and wrong. The Obama girls need protection because folks are insane. We need to do better.
You may or may not the man above. Let me introduce you to the governor of my state. His given name is Piyush Jindal. He goes by the very Americanized name of Bobby. He does not answer to his given name. Every move he has made is to strategically place himself in the best position. The problem with hie plan is that his record will follow him. And, it is nothing to be proud of. He is single handedly killing my state. He is so focused on his next political move that he does not care about any of his constituents. He just drafted a letter and sent it to the White House declining to institute the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare). The government will pay for the program 100% for the first two years. It would cost the state nothing. It would take care of kids and elderly people who do not have insurance. Jindal refuses to implement it. Thankfully, the President does not need his approval or cooperation. Obamacare is the law. This is just one huge red mark on his record.
One of my favorite political show hosts Mrs. Melissa Harris-Perry wrote an open letter to the Republican Governor. She is also lives in New Orleans as well. She knows first hand what this state needs and is lacking. Her letter is direct and concise.
"If all you want is to reach higher office, pull a 'Palin' and quit now."
She goes on to say that Jindal "does not give a damn about his own backyard." And, she is beyond correct. His actions have shown this in the last few years. He has mentally checked out. When he talks now, his eyes never seem here. He is never coherent. You can read the entire thing here. My hometown paper also took a stance on the Governor. That article is here. The man is politically driven and motivated. The problem is when that motivation drives you to completely disregard the same people who voted for you. Granted, I did not vote for this farce of a man. I am not a fan of anything he has done. I though I would get a break from writing about politics for a while. But, the Republicans keep saying dumb things like this. I think I am done ranting for a while.
And, just because the track below inspired the title, here's a little Jay-Z to take us out! "Politics as Usual"
Black hair is THE topic of conversation. The above video is a great discussion on the subject. I am a fan of Melissa Harris-Perry and her platform. Her MSNBC show is a great political show with a point of view of that of a Black woman. I think she is a great political voice. She had a panel of four other varied Black women in various states of natural hair. I loved the variety of women that Harris-Perry had on her show. It was the perfect forum to discuss an issue that will not go away. All the women had interesting things to say about Black hair. Please take the time to watch the video. It's very insightful and enlightening.
Black hair is big business. Black women spend more on hair products and services more than any other group. We are that business. So, this huge shift towards the natural journey means a shift or loss in money. I don't know if it's because I am in a transitioning phase but I see this topic comes up a lot. I see more natural sisters now that I am becoming one. My hair is important to me. It is a part of me. Whatever I do to it, is my business. It's not about making a political statement or taking a stance. I made this choice for me. I want to know what my natural hair feels like, looks like. I may love it. I may hate it. But, I will always have options. No one made me do it or talked me into this. Actually, I've gotten some negative feedback from family members as well as positive. But, thankfully, I am not easily swayed. I have great self esteem and know what I stand for. This is the right move for me right now. I really do not care who doesn't like it or agree with it. It's not their hair.
The entire discussion was great to hear. I loved what Nicole Ari Parker said about her daughter. I think that epiphany is wonderful. And, if I had a daughter, I am sure I would feel the same way. Nicole from Curly Nikki made a great point as well about the issue being political and personal. I think that for most Black women, the decision to embrace their natural hair is a personal one. I, for one, did not set out to make a political stand with my hair. It's very interesting that people outside of the Black community are so enthralled with our hair. Yes, we already know its amazing as we are as a people. The conversation will continue as they always do when it pertains to Black women. We are definitely a great topic to discuss. In the end, our hair in any and every state is a issue that people should be intrigued by.
