Anslinger Being Tough?
Harry Anslinger was a United States government official who served as the first commissioner of the U.S. Treasury Department’s Federal Bureau of Narcotics. He was a supporter of prohibition and the criminalization of drugs, and played a pivotal role in cannabis prohibition. [1]
Excerpt from the book:
Many people assume what we call the War on Drugs began in 1971 during the Nixon Administration. Some believe “the War” began during Prohibition due to the relentless efforts of a racist and moralist federal agent named Harry Anslinger. [2]
Continuing later in the book:
Anslinger was a bureaucratic empire-builder and he saw marijuana as the leverage needed to expand the size and power of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics. He railed against the use of reefer, weed, or pot by blacks, particularly black entertainers. Anslinger hated jazz with its free-wheeling lack of rigid structure and he equated it with what he viewed as black depravity. Black bandleader Cab Calloway had a 1933 hit song called Reefer Man featured in the movie International House. Anslinger must have been furious. [2]
References:
- Wikipedia, Harry Jacob Anslinger
- Prisoner of War: The Story of White Boy Rick and The War on Drugs by Vince Wade – Page 20, 39
The Paperback and eBook are Now Available
- Tesla Sales Tank
Tesla Owner Experience Vandalism
Pixabay Don’t vandalize property! If you must make your political wishes know, while on public property, picket the Tesla Charging Stations but don’t block owner’s access… simply make your view point known through signage and picketing. KEEP IT PEACEFUL!
Locations of Tesla Charging Stations
Recommended Reading
Amazoncom Available from Amazoncom A sweeping narrative ranging from the unsettled early American frontier and the battlefields of the Revolution to the history-making clashes within Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, Bret Baier’s To Rescue the Constitution dramatically illuminates the life of George Washington, the Founder who did more than perhaps any other individual to secure the future of the United States.
George Washington rescued the nation three times: first by leading the Continental Army to victory in the Revolutionary War, second by presiding over the Constitutional Convention that set the blueprint for the United States and ushering the Constitution through a fractious ratification process, and third by leading the nation as its first president. There is no doubt that the struggling new nation needed to be rescued—and that Washington was the only American who could bring them together.
After the victorious War of Independence, when a spirit of unity and patriotism might have been expected, instead the nation fractured. The states were no more than a loosely knit and contentious confederation, with no strong central union. It was an urgent matter that led to the calling of a Constitutional Convention to meet in Philadelphia during the summer of 1787.
Setting aside his plan to retire to Mount Vernon, Washington agreed to be a delegate at Philadelphia. There he was unanimously elected president of the convention. After successfully bringing the Constitution into being, Washington then sacrificed any hope of returning to private life by accepting the unanimous election to be the nation’s first president. Washington was not known for brilliant oratory or prose, but his quiet, steady leadership gave life to the Constitution by showing how it should be enacted.
In this vivid and moving portrait of America’s early struggles, Baier captures the critical moments when Washington’s leadership brought the nation from the brink of collapse. Baier exposes an early America that is grittier and far more divided than is often portrayed—one we can see reflected in today’s conflicts.
- Defend Against Christian Nationalism
Groups that will give you Hopeful information countering the various Hate Groups and Hateful Individuals
Faithful America FA logo horiz 2022 300×88 Faithful America – Faithful America is the largest online community of Christians putting faith into action for love and social justice. Our members — Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical, and more — are sick of sitting by quietly while Jesus’ message of good news is hijacked by the religious right to serve a hateful political agenda. We’re organizing the faithful to challenge Christian nationalism and white supremacy and to renew the church’s prophetic role in building a more free and just society.
Just a few of the projects they were apart of which gives us hope.
- Convinced networks to drop the televangelist Jim Bakker Show for selling a fake COVID-19 cure
- Blocked a hateful, Islamophobic Trump nominee in the Senate
- Helped free an innocent asylum seeker from ICE custody
- Helped Catholic students win justice for their fired gay principal
- Defeated a fracking pipeline with Catholic sisters in Kentucky
- Helped pass the life-saving Affordable Care Act
BJC BJC Faith. Freedom. For All. – The targeting of religious minorities. The rise of Christian nationalism. The politicization of houses of worship. BJC brings people together to tackle today’s serious threats to religious liberty.
BJC works with Congress and the courts, but it will take all of us to successfully stand up for this freedom. We’ve got tools, trainings and resources to show you how to use your voice powerfully — whether it’s engaging on social media, signing a letter to Congress, educating others about Christian nationalism, reaching out to your lawmakers or taking action in your community. We’re in this together.
Recommended Reading
Amazoncom Available from Amazoncom How to End Christian Nationalism by Amanda Tyler
Christian nationalism is a powerful and pervasive ideology, and it is becoming normalized. From Amanda Tyler, lead organizer of the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign, comes How to End Christian Nationalism, your vital companion for countering this dangerous ideology. Tyler draws on her experiences, conversations with pastors and laypeople, research, Scripture, her Baptist convictions, and her work as a constitutional law expert to help us confront Christian nationalist fervor.
You’ll learn how to distinguish Christian nationalism from the teachings of Jesus and to demonstrate how the former perpetuates white supremacy. This book also unpacks key truths we can share with others: Patriotism is not the same as nationalism. Religious freedom means little if it’s not for everyone. Christians follow a gospel of love, not the idol of power.
Here, you’ll find stories of what Christians are doing to resist Christian nationalism in their churches and communities, plus ideas for your own work. From strategies for faith-rooted organizing to guidance for holding hard conversations with loved ones, Tyler offers practical ways to protect faith freedom for all. With precision and compassion, Tyler offers cogent arguments for the separation of church and state, a timely call to action, and an urgent case for replacing a twisted, fearful version of faith with one that is good and right and true. We’ve all seen what Christian nationalism can do. Now is the time for Christians to reckon with its harm. Now is the time to end it.
- Census Citizenship Question
The Actual Population May Not Be Counted and Why You Should Be Outraged
Pixabay The authors of Project 2025 proposed adding a citizenship question to the census, leading to a deliberate undercounting of populations with high rates of immigrants. Not only that, but these extremists plan to appoint political officials to decide who does or doesn’t get counted in the next census, instead of impartial, nonpartisan actors.
This process is headed by The Heritage Foundation who included in Project 2025, “Any successful conservative Administration must include a citizenship question in the census.”
Research by the Census Bureau has shown that including the question “Is this person a citizen of the United States?” on forms is likely to discourage many households with Latino or Asian American residents from getting counted in official population totals.
According to the Constitution of the United States 14th Amendment, the congressional apportionment numbers must include the “whole number of persons in each state.” But Trump officials wanted to make the unprecedented move of excluding unauthorized immigrants.
Why not count only citizens?
- Money, House Representatives, the Electoral College, employment stats and various apportionments are based upon population. Certain population areas would then be short changed. This, then, favors the Republican Party by discounting many urban areas.
- It violates the 14th Admendment.
- It undercounts the poverished and instills fear in legal immigrants.
- It will harm Black communities and other communities of color, undermining efforts to achieve an accurate census count and weakening the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) capacity to defend voting rights.
<.p>
References:
- NPR.org, Hansi Lo Wang, October 28, 2023 – A GOP plan for the census would revive Trump’s failed push for a citizenship question
- CivilRights.org, Meeta Anand, September 18, 2024 – Project 2025 and the Census: Ghosts of Past, Present, and Future
- Coalition of Human Needs, David Elliott, August 28, 2024 – What Project 2025 Has In Store For The Census Bureau
- The Thurgood Marshall Institute – Project 2025 Will Limit Black Communities’ Political Participation
- Democratic Organizations
Pixabay Democractic Governors Association (DGA) – Creating more economic opportunity, fully funding schools, fixing the damn roads, protecting personal freedom, and defending democracy.
As extremist GOP lawmakers are doing everything they can to ban abortion, attack public education, block climate action, rip away access to health care and even undermine our democracy, electing Democratic governors has never mattered more. Democratic governors are the first chance for progress, and the last line of defense against a radical GOP agenda.
Young Democrats of America – The Young Democrats of America (YDA) is the nation’s largest youth-led, partisan political organization, with over 20,000 members nationwide in 50 states and territorial chapters. As a completely volunteer-led organization, YDA mobilizes young people under the age of 36 to participate in the electoral process to elect Democrats, advocate for progressive issues, and train the next generation of progressive leaders.
Common Cause – Common Cause puts its state and national policy expertise, massive network of grassroots supporters, and nonpartisan approach into action to strengthen our democracy against the challenges it faces today. We work at every level of government on priorities that impact each of our lives—like defending the right to vote, limiting big money’s influence on our elections, holding public officials accountable, and more. Our efforts are driven by our national headquarters in D.C. and our more than 25 state offices, led by teams of on-the-ground specialists who know how to win impactful reforms that fortify our democracy.
When We the People come together, we can make a real and lasting difference. Taking action with Common Cause means joining a nationwide movement in pursuit of a democracy that gives all of us a voice in the decisions that shape our future.
Recommended Reading
Amazoncom Available from Amazoncom A sweeping narrative ranging from the unsettled early American frontier and the battlefields of the Revolution to the history-making clashes within Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, Bret Baier’s To Rescue the Constitution dramatically illuminates the life of George Washington, the Founder who did more than perhaps any other individual to secure the future of the United States.
George Washington rescued the nation three times: first by leading the Continental Army to victory in the Revolutionary War, second by presiding over the Constitutional Convention that set the blueprint for the United States and ushering the Constitution through a fractious ratification process, and third by leading the nation as its first president. There is no doubt that the struggling new nation needed to be rescued—and that Washington was the only American who could bring them together.
After the victorious War of Independence, when a spirit of unity and patriotism might have been expected, instead the nation fractured. The states were no more than a loosely knit and contentious confederation, with no strong central union. It was an urgent matter that led to the calling of a Constitutional Convention to meet in Philadelphia during the summer of 1787.
Setting aside his plan to retire to Mount Vernon, Washington agreed to be a delegate at Philadelphia. There he was unanimously elected president of the convention. After successfully bringing the Constitution into being, Washington then sacrificed any hope of returning to private life by accepting the unanimous election to be the nation’s first president. Washington was not known for brilliant oratory or prose, but his quiet, steady leadership gave life to the Constitution by showing how it should be enacted.
In this vivid and moving portrait of America’s early struggles, Baier captures the critical moments when Washington’s leadership brought the nation from the brink of collapse. Baier exposes an early America that is grittier and far more divided than is often portrayed—one we can see reflected in today’s conflicts.
- You Are Naïve
Pixabay Mike Sorrell writes, “I was a dutiful, fair-minded reporter who believed my role in democracy was to provide readers with facts and information. Readers could then decide for themselves which politicians to elect. Then, the politician’s informed constituents could continue to provide grassroots advice to guide the politician’s actions in office.
“You are naïve,” the lobbyist told me. Democracy is a charming myth. Get real. Power in Washington does not move from the bottom up.”
References:
- Fight The Fire, Mike Sorrell, December 2, 2024 – Trump gets his marching orders – Most Americans don’t like Project 2025, but that doesn’t matter in his kingdom
Recommended Reading
Amazoncom Available from Amazoncom Donald Trump and Adolf Hitler: Making A Serious Comparison by Horace Bloom
How dare you compare Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler! Haven’t you heard of Godwin’s Law?
Let’s talk about this. There’s a cultural taboo against considering Nazi ideology in the context of present day politics. Donald Trump and Adolf Hitler by Horace Bloom confronts this taboo with responsibility, entering into a serious examination of the political histories of the Third Reich and our own time. Bloom’s work isn’t a diatribe, but carefully pays attention to both the similarities and differences between Donald Trump and Adolf Hitler, and the contexts in which they have risen to power.
With the spread of political violence in the United States, and growing extremism in the 2016 presidential election, the comparison between Trump and Hitler has become unavoidable. However, a presidential candidate as breathtakingly original as Donald Trump deserves more than just a snigger here and a snide remark there. Horace Bloom delivers a powerful review of the relevance of the darkest days the 20th century to the essential decisions we are faced with in our own time.
Don’t cast your vote in the 2016 presidential election without confronting the complex web of connections between Trump and Hitler.
- Redistricting in Louisiana
Pixabay “Just last month [November 2024], the Supreme Court announced they’ll review a case to decide whether Louisiana violated the law in the January 2024 redraw of the maps, hearing the challenge from the so-called “non-African-American voters.” The decision will likely determine how congressional maps are drawn moving forward in Louisiana and could have larger implications on how the Voting Rights Act is enforced. We’ll be looking for the Supreme Court to find the January 2024 maps constitutional.” [DemocraticRedistricting.com]
Recommended Reading
Amazoncom Available from Amazoncom Redistricting: The Most Political Activity in America
This authoritative overview of election redistricting at the congressional, state legislative, and local level provides offers an overview of redistricting for students and practitioners. The updated second edition pays special attention to the significant redistricting controversies of the last decade, from the Supreme Court to state courts.
- Healthcare Insurance Corruption
CNN and Major Media Outlets mistakenly constantly refer to the problems with the Healthcare Industry. They SHOULD be referring to the Healthcare INSURANCE Industry. Many folks are satisfied with their doctors and other various medical professionals, but the INSURANCE industry is what is making the patients experience a nightmare.
Pixabay One major news agency says that 62% of patients are satisfied with the healthcare they receive. That makes it sound like the major news companies are covering up for the mess that the INSURANCE companies are creating. Pollsters must differentiate between the two facets of the healthcare environment.
Tell it like it is!
If you have money, you have no problems getting adequate healthcare. Let a family with limited resources or is out of work and your life’s situation turns into a nightmare.
References:
- National Library of Medicine – Care Without Coverage: Too Little, Too Late. – Effects of Health Insurance on Health
- American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
Pixabay Who Received Money BUT Voted Against It?
President Joe Biden signed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the latest federal stimulus bill to aid public health and economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 11, 2021. The plan included $350 billion in emergency funding for state, local, territorial, and tribal governments, known as the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.
Which States Received Money?
Learn how the money is distributed to the states – This link takes you to The National Conference of State Legislatures database.
Which Congressperson Voted Against the Plan But Still Received Money?
Vote Results for HR 1319 (House) – All but two Democrats voted for the bill and all Republicans voted against the bill. A modified version passed the Senate on March 6 by a vote of 50–49. The final amended bill was passed by the House on March 10 by a vote of 220–211 with one Democrat (Jared Golden) voting against it alongside all Republicans.
Vote Results for HR 1319 (Senate) – Passed Senate with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 50 – 49. Record Vote Number: 110.
- National Democratic Redistricting Committee
Gerrymandering poses a critical threat to our democracy, with opponents of fair maps actively undermining redistricting reforms, electing Election Deniers, and threatening mid-decade map redraws.
The NDRC is working to protect fair maps, combat ongoing gerrymandering, and prepare for upcoming redistricting battles, but we can’t do it alone. We need the continued support and commitment of those dedicated to safeguarding democracy.
Recommended Reading
Amazoncom Available from Amazoncom A sweeping narrative ranging from the unsettled early American frontier and the battlefields of the Revolution to the history-making clashes within Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, Bret Baier’s To Rescue the Constitution dramatically illuminates the life of George Washington, the Founder who did more than perhaps any other individual to secure the future of the United States.
George Washington rescued the nation three times: first by leading the Continental Army to victory in the Revolutionary War, second by presiding over the Constitutional Convention that set the blueprint for the United States and ushering the Constitution through a fractious ratification process, and third by leading the nation as its first president. There is no doubt that the struggling new nation needed to be rescued—and that Washington was the only American who could bring them together.
After the victorious War of Independence, when a spirit of unity and patriotism might have been expected, instead the nation fractured. The states were no more than a loosely knit and contentious confederation, with no strong central union. It was an urgent matter that led to the calling of a Constitutional Convention to meet in Philadelphia during the summer of 1787.
Setting aside his plan to retire to Mount Vernon, Washington agreed to be a delegate at Philadelphia. There he was unanimously elected president of the convention. After successfully bringing the Constitution into being, Washington then sacrificed any hope of returning to private life by accepting the unanimous election to be the nation’s first president. Washington was not known for brilliant oratory or prose, but his quiet, steady leadership gave life to the Constitution by showing how it should be enacted.
In this vivid and moving portrait of America’s early struggles, Baier captures the critical moments when Washington’s leadership brought the nation from the brink of collapse. Baier exposes an early America that is grittier and far more divided than is often portrayed—one we can see reflected in today’s conflicts.
Recommended Reading
Amazoncom Available from Amazoncom Redistricting: The Most Political Activity in America
This authoritative overview of election redistricting at the congressional, state legislative, and local level provides offers an overview of redistricting for students and practitioners. The updated second edition pays special attention to the significant redistricting controversies of the last decade, from the Supreme Court to state courts.
- ACLU
The American Civil Liberties Union
The ACLU has evolved in the years since from this small group of idealists into the nation’s premier defender of the rights enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. With more than 1.1 million members, 500 staff attorneys, thousands of volunteer attorneys, and offices throughout the nation, the ACLU of today continues to fight government abuse and to vigorously defend individual freedoms including speech and religion, a woman’s right to choose, the right to due process, citizens’ rights to privacy and much more. The ACLU stands up for these rights even when the cause is unpopular, and sometimes when nobody else will. While not always in agreement with us on every issue, Americans have come to count on the ACLU for its unyielding dedication to principle. The ACLU has become so ingrained in American society that it is hard to imagine an America without it.
Recommended Reading
Amazoncom Available from Amazoncom A sweeping narrative ranging from the unsettled early American frontier and the battlefields of the Revolution to the history-making clashes within Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, Bret Baier’s To Rescue the Constitution dramatically illuminates the life of George Washington, the Founder who did more than perhaps any other individual to secure the future of the United States.
George Washington rescued the nation three times: first by leading the Continental Army to victory in the Revolutionary War, second by presiding over the Constitutional Convention that set the blueprint for the United States and ushering the Constitution through a fractious ratification process, and third by leading the nation as its first president. There is no doubt that the struggling new nation needed to be rescued—and that Washington was the only American who could bring them together.
After the victorious War of Independence, when a spirit of unity and patriotism might have been expected, instead the nation fractured. The states were no more than a loosely knit and contentious confederation, with no strong central union. It was an urgent matter that led to the calling of a Constitutional Convention to meet in Philadelphia during the summer of 1787.
Setting aside his plan to retire to Mount Vernon, Washington agreed to be a delegate at Philadelphia. There he was unanimously elected president of the convention. After successfully bringing the Constitution into being, Washington then sacrificed any hope of returning to private life by accepting the unanimous election to be the nation’s first president. Washington was not known for brilliant oratory or prose, but his quiet, steady leadership gave life to the Constitution by showing how it should be enacted.
In this vivid and moving portrait of America’s early struggles, Baier captures the critical moments when Washington’s leadership brought the nation from the brink of collapse. Baier exposes an early America that is grittier and far more divided than is often portrayed—one we can see reflected in today’s conflicts.
Leave a Reply