Conservative Media Still Denying How Racism And History Fueled Ferguson

Despite the conservative media narrative that racism against minorities is a thing of the past, race, racism, and inherent biases on all sides are a part of what’s happening in Ferguson and communities across America — as are systemic and institutional factors spanning several generations, from the Watts riots in 1965 to the riots in various cities in 1967 and ’68, to Los Angeles in 1992. While an inciting incident — usually involving the police and communities of color — sparked the violence, a tinderbox of underlying frustrations awaited that spark.

After each of these incidents, reports issued by government commissions seeking answers cited hauntingly identical findings. Police brutality, poor relations between the police and the community, a sense of hopelessness fueled by a lack of jobs, economic inequality, inadequate schools, discriminatory housing practices, an unresponsive political system many felt shut out of, along with policies that created segregated neighborhoods which further isolate communities of color were highlighted again and again. Again and again the recommendations included expanding community policing strategies and social programs, making them more consistent with the extent of the problems.

http://mediamatters.org/blog/2014/12/03/conservative-media-still-denying-how-racism-and/201751

How Some Conservatives Are Reacting to Michelle Obama’s “Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act”

A few days ago, I came across an article called, “Students in Full-Scale Revolt Against Michelle Obama.” Naturally, I was intrigued, and clicked on the link.

Upon arriving at the site, I quickly realized from its title, “ConservativeTribune.com” with the curious sub-heading, “In Defense of Western Civilization,” that anything written in this article would probably be heavily biased against Michelle Obama. And it was.

Continue reading

60 Years After Brown v. Board, Will Congress Revive a Dual School System?

The Secular Jurist

Congress is considering new charter legislation, awarding more money to the charter sector, which will operate with minimal accountability or transparency.

The bill has already passed the House of Representatives with a bipartisan majority and now moves to the Senate.

Make no mistake: On the 60th anniversary of the Brown v. Board decision, Congress is set to expand a dual school system. One sector, privately managed, may choose its students, exclude those who might pull down its test scores and kick out those it doesn’t want. The other sector — the public schools — must take in all students, even those kicked out by the charters.

http://billmoyers.com/2014/05/21/60-years-after-brown-v-board-will-congress-revive-a-dual-school-system/

View original post