Category: Commentary

One of the fundamental building blocks of a vibrant democracy is the freedom for men and women to cast their vote and elect their leaders. On the eve of one of the most divisive and important elections of my lifetime, I can think of no better time to point out the fact that 5.6 million […]

The Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, senior pastor of Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Va, recently informed the press that some pastors in the Washington region have advised their members to refrain from voting in the upcoming presidential election because of President Obama’s support of same-sex marriage. In fact, articles about similar stances by African-American […]

The fires that burn inside of me to protect our vote are personal, as well as social. My great, great grandfather, Mr. Scipio Rhame, was born a slave. Yet, during Reconstruction — just 3 years after his slavery ended — he had the determination to be among the first of our people to register and […]

(Washington, DC) – Today, the NAACP held a press conference to discuss the latest decision in the John McNeil case and next steps to secure his freedom. On Wednesday, Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens chose to appeal the court ruling that granted John McNeil’s habeas corpus petition. “Some people say that this is about a […]

There is an abundance of panhandlers in the nation’s capital—all shapes, shades and sizes. On a recent day, Jessie was at 14th & G talking to himself until he saw someone who had once given him money. “Hey how you doin’?” he asked, making a mad dash to the person. The “Groper” walked the street […]

The fate of children growing up in our nation’s capital rarely receives the attention it deserves from our nation’s lawmakers, who live and work here. Yet the facts are startling. Among the more than 100,000 children who live in the District of Columbia, a child is abused or neglected every three hours. Every four days, […]

I saw this astounding figure that approximately 70 percent of Republicans believe that the poll numbers on the presidential race are biased towards President Obama. In other words, they are asserting that because President Obama has been—at least at the time of this column—ahead in most polls, this cannot be correct and the media must […]

Somehow, the body snatchers came last Wednesday and took the fire (as in fired up, ready to go) out of President Obama, leaving a rather listless shell of a man who never truly engaged the audience or his opponent. He looked down at his notes, fidgeted and let Mitt Romney get away with multiple lies. […]

National politics in the U.S. has not been so divisive since the American Civil War 150 years ago. Similar to the period leading up to the American Civil War, our nation is divided along entrenched ideological lines. Unlike the Civil War, the possible second term of a sitting president may well further divide the Union. […]

On Sept. 12, Richard Cordray, Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), delivered an encouraging report to Congress. From data and information shared, the Bureau’s mission to make consumer financial markets work for American consumers, honest businesses and the economy as a whole is making significant inroads. Since the enactment of financial reform, more […]

With the first presidential debate between President Obama and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney less than two weeks away, it seems clear after several weeks of bungling, rambling and news cycle-chasing on the national stage that Romney and his campaign are in over their heads. A phalanx of the most recent polls in the battleground […]

During this election, most of the focus is on the top of the ticket. Can President Obama maintain, or increase his narrow lead over Republican nominee Mitt Romney? Will the deep pockets of Romney and his allies be enough to turn the tide? Recent news suggests fundraising for Mr. Romney has recently faltered. That, too, […]