* How great was Michael Jackson? Jackson got worldwide, wall to wall news coverage of his death for days with some of this news bordering on overkill. Some have told me the media is concentrating too much on the weird part of his life. I've told them not to worry. Michael Jackson was weird. But, he put out great music. As time goes by, he'll be remembered more for his music and his musical presentation than his weirdness. When it comes to great artists, (singers, actors, painters, and musicians), a certain amount of weirdness is a given.
* No one really cares how Elvis, Ernest Hemingway or Edgar Allen Poe lived and died. The story of their lives and their weirdness have become a footnote against the body of work they are responsible for.
* There's one thing Jackson needs to be given credit for. Intentionally or not, Jackson integrated music, especially MTV and White radio. MTV and White radio, who refused to put the music of Black artists in their regular music rotations, had to play Jackson's music because it became so popular.
* Once MTV and White radio found out they could make money on Jackson's music and the listeners of MTV and White radio weren't turned off by listening to Jackson's music, the door to being regularly played on MTV and White radio was finally opened all the way for Black artists.
* The response to Jackson's death by the Black community is especially interesting. From the time he married Lisa Marie Presley until the day before of his death, Jackson had been openly ridiculed by a large segment of the Black community. With his death, it looks like the ridicule has gone away.
* No, I would not be surprised if Jackson's death had to do with a drug overdose. I wouldn't be surprised at all.
* Get ready for, "The Lawyers Show." Jackson was in debt up to his eyeballs. The custody of Jackson's children must be settled. I'm sure Jackson's doctor will face a few lawsuits. It will be years before all of the legalities surrounding Jackson's death are settled.
* Now that Roanoke, Va. City Manager Darlene Burcham is leaving her post next year, is Roanoke, Va. Police Chief Joe Gaskins next? The clock is ticking.
* What is going on at the Roanoke, Va. jail. Another prisoner says she was beaten up by jail personnel. I'll have more on that shortly.
* I'm taking two classes this summer at Roanoke's Virginia Western Community College. Let me tell you something. Anyone who says that Virginia Western is a "joke" school, is an idiot who doesn't know what they are talking about.
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6/26/09
* They say death comes in threes. Ed McMahan was a television icon. As a sidekick, he wasn't stupid. He wasn't goofy. He wasn't ignorant. He was classy. As a sidekick, McMahan was perfect; Lucy and Ethel, Andy and Barney, Ed and Johnny. It doesn't get much better than that.
* Farrah. She only needed one name. That hair. That smile. Beautiful. Talented. Sexy. Good actress. Yeah, I had the poster. I haven't seen a poster like hers before or since. At 60, she still looked good.
* Michael Jackson. I'll admit it. I loved the guy until he went weird. I still listen to his music. Next to Sammy Davis, Jr., Jackson was the most talented performer I have ever seen.
* I once had a discussion with an Elvis fan on who had a bigger influence on music, Michael Jackson or Elvis. Of course, the Elvis fan picked Elvis. I've always thought Elvis was overrated. Don't get me wrong. Elvis before the army was great. Elvis after the army was a shadow of himself, like a fighter who stayed in the ring too long.
* Elvis was cooler. Elvis was a better actor. Jackson had more talent. Jackson was a better dancer. Jackson was a better singer. Jackson was a better song writer. Jackson was more wierd. Both men had huge egos. Both men were prisoners of their own fame. Both men were bigger than life.
* I've made fun of Jackson just like everyone else. But, he only had himself to blame for the ridicule. His self proclaimed title of the King of Pop? Please. People don't give themselves their own nicknames. Dumb. Nothing but a huge ego. But, like I said, as a performer, with the exception of Sammy Davis, Jr., no one was better.
* Is there anyone dumber in the world of politics right now than South Carolina Governor, Mark Sanford? Talk about a meltdown.
* Here's a guy who always got on his moral high horse about a number of things, including getting after Bill Clinton during his sex scandal. Here's a guy who was a major player in national politics. Here's a guy who would have been a serious contender as the Republican Party's choice for President in 2012.
* Now, he's a guy who put politics ahead of common sense, cheated on his wife, used tax payer dollars to visit his honey down in South America and left his state without a governor for a week because no one knew where he was.
* The man should resign. South Carolina deserves better.
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6/24/09
* This year, I will pay $4,000 in health insurance premiums. My wife's medicine costs $260 a month or $3,120 a year out of pocket, after insurance. On top of that, my wife and I have to pay 20% of our medical bills out of pocket after insurance.
If I lose my job due to being laid off, which is a possibility, we lose our health insurance. Given my health history and the health history of my wife, there's no way either of us will get health insurance again. As it is, our health insurance company doesn't want to pay our medical bills now. Yes, I want to see health insurance reform.
* I do not want to see mandatory health insurance. This is a bad idea.
* I would like to see tax deductions or tax credits for all health care costs. In the long run, I think this would be more affordable for all parties involved, including the American taxpayer, in the long run.
* Some say that if we change our current health care system, it will take longer to get in to see a doctor. I don't see how. Have you ever tried to get in to see a doctor lately?
* Don't get too excited about the upcoming revolution in Iran. The revolution isn't coming to that country, yet. It's coming. Just not now.
* I don't have a problem with President Obama's response to what is going on in Iran. The last thing we need right now is Cowboy diplomacy where the United States comes off as heavy handed.
* As for Congressional Republicans who say President Obama is being soft on Iran, how can anyone be outraged with the situation in Iran while ignoring the many human and civil rights abuses in China. When it comes to human and civil rights abuses, China makes Iran look like a bunch of boy scouts. But, then again, Congressional Republicans have a habit of looking the other way when human and civil rights abuses involve their friends on the friends of their campaign contributors.
* Is President Obama on television too much? Think about this for a moment. The United States is in the middle of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. We are fighting two wars. Health care is being reformed. Republicans are trying to stop everything President Obama is trying to do. Work is being done toward a two state solution in the Middle East between Israel and the Palestinians. Iran is in turmoil. Mexico is in the middle of a drug war that is spilling over into the United States. America has it's first Black President and Black First Family, something most people thought would never happen. Historians say no President has ever come into office with as many problems facing this country as President Obama has.
Now, ask yourself again. Is President Obama on television too much? I don't think so.
* The State Board of Elections is really, and I mean really, taking a long look at Roanoke, Va. House of Delegate Onzlee Ware's campaign spending. The central question is whether or not Ware is mixing or using his campaign funds for personal use. Stay tuned. For more on this issue, check out THE ROANOKE FREE PRESS, the best source for information on the Ware controversy. A link to THE ROANOKE FREE PRESS is posted above.
* A new program for children came out of Juneteenth '09. Roanoke City Public Schools will soon be starting the new Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Choir. Thank you Dr. Rita Bishop.
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6/22/09
* What can I say about Juneteenth '09? I only hope people has as much fun as I did. I'm still updating our Juneteenth list of those who participated. How popular has the Roanoke SCLC's Juneteenth Celebrations become? Mike Stearns and Greg Bryant drove all the way from Huntington, WVa., a 6 hour drive, on Saturday morning to help hamburgers and hot dogs for the people in attendance. Both men work for Heiner's Bakery.
* Three thousand people came to Washington Park in Roanoke, Va. for free food, free entertainment and a free good time to celebrate a day of fellowship, unity and brotherhood. So many people helped with Juneteenth '09 that I'm still updating our list of people who helped put this wonderful event together. To see this list, please visit the JUNETEENTH '09 page on JeffArtis.com. A link to this page is posted above.
* The Blue Ridge Bicycle Club passed out over 150 bicycle helmets to the children.
* A number of local businesses offered products to be raffled off during Juneteenth '09, including the Salem Red Sox baseball team who offered a 4 ticket package to be raffled off for those in attendance.
* Countryside Neighborhood Alliance passed out over 100 stuffed animals to the children.
* The entertainment for Juneteenth '09 lasted for almost 7 hours. Needless to say Washington Park was jumpin'.
* Elected officials in attendance at Juneteenth '09 included Congressman Bob Goodlatte, Roanoke Mayor David Bowers, Roanoke Vice-Mayor Sherman Lea, Roanoke City Council members Anita Price and Court Rosen and Roanoke Sheriff Octavia Johnson. Also in attendance were Roanoke City Manager Darlene Burcham and Roanoke Public Superintendent Dr. Rita Bishop. Republican Bill Cleveland, a candidate in the upcoming House of Delegates election running against Gwen Mason was also in attendance. Ms. Mason was not in attendance.
* Roanoke, Va. Mayor, David Bowers, issued a proclamation to Roanoke SCLC founder, Perneller Chubb-Wilson, making June 13, 2009, "Juneteenth 2009 Day."
* Some like to say they are the "official" Roanoke, Va. Juneteenth celebration. I say, who cares? I'm just happy to give something back to the community. Those who helped with Juneteenth '09 feel the same way I do.
Anyway, how can anyone call themselves an "official Juneteenth event" when Juneteenth has been celebrated in America since 1865? That's just ignorant.
* If you think Juneteenth '09 was good, wait until Juneteenth IV; free food, free entertainment, a free good time. See you next year, June 12, 2010.
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6/19/09
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY
THIS IS A REPRINT OF A COLUMN I WROTE EARLIER THIS YEAR FOR THE ROANOKE STAR-SENTINEL
I want to declare 2009 as "The Year of the Father." Here is why. We are losing our children. The main reason we are losing our children is men have abdicated their role of being a father to these lost children. These men have decided that their lives are more important than the lives of their children. These men have decided that their wants and needs are more important then the wants and needs of their children. As a consequence, when we ask, “What is wrong with our children?” we already know the answer.
Children are a gift from God. They should to be treated as such. I have three children, one deceased. There is nothing I would not do for my children. I get after them when they are wrong. I support them up when they are right. I have done without so they can have. We have had our fights and arguments. I have been wrong a few times in how I have handled certain situations. Through it all, I love them and they love me. Most important, there is very little I would have done differently in raising my children. I have done nothing special. As a father, I simply did my job.
In this age of Political Correctness, we have forgotten about honesty, personal responsibility and accountability. In this PC world we are supposed to understand failure and accept incompetence. Given the current state of many of our children, we must change. There is nothing wrong with demanding that fathers be fathers. Some men try to justify why they are not the fathers they should be or need to be. There is no justification for not taking care of your children. There is no excuse for not taking care of your children. I will tell any man in a minute, "You made that child. Take care of that child. That child did not ask to come into this world." We all should be saying the same thing. Yes, it is hard to be a good father. However, it is not hard to be an average father. Sadly, in many cases, just raising the bar to average is much better than what many children have now.
The primary goal of all fathers should be to want their children to become successful adults, in fact, more successful than themselves. For this to happen, children need three things; love, structure and discipline. Children must receive love, structure and discipline in equal measure. Giving a child love, structure and discipline must start from day one. Too much of one and not enough of the other is a recipe for problems down the road.
The primary cause for gang activity, teenage pregnancies, America’s high incarceration rate, the drop-out rate, low graduation rates and the other abysmal statistics affecting our society can be traced directly to fathers not being fathers to their children. This is an American disgrace. As long as we remain silent, the situation will only get worse.
To those fathers out there who are doing their j.o.b., I wish you a Happy Father's Day. To those so-called fathers out there who aren't doing their j.o.b., and you know who you are, I say get it in gear. Your children are waiting and depending on you to do your j.o.b.
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6/17/09
* In today's ARTIS BLOG, I had wanted to talk about the Roanoke SCLC's very successful JUNETEENTH '09 Celebration that took place last Saturday. That will have to wait. Some things are more important to talk about. I'll talk about JUNETEENTH '09 on Friday.
* Sunday night, Gregory Grant, age 15, was shot to death by another teenager, age 16. Right now I do not know if the murder had anything to do with the current feud between the South West gang and the LTP gang. Although, from what I'm hearing on the street and from the red bandana left at the makeshift memorial at the site where Grant died, I'd say this murder was somehow gang related.
* This is another senseless death of a young brother here in Roanoke, Va. One young brother is going to the University of the Graveyard. Another young brother going to the University of the Penitentiary. Two young lives have been wasted.
* For the past 15 years, I have begged, pleaded, yelled, argued and written extensively for Roanoke, Va. city leaders to 1) admit Roanoke, Va. has a serious gang problem and 2) educate the people of this city on the warning signs of gang activity among our young people, school children and in our neighborhoods.
* My requests have fallen on deaf ears. City leaders have given me the asinine explanation that if Roanoke, Va. admitted it had gangs or a gang problem, this would give more power to the gangs. It would also give Roanoke's gangs more recognition and legitimize them.
* When I rebutted this stupid explanation with a way of educating the people of Roanoke, Va. and the Roanoke Valley about gangs, gang violence and gang activity without drawing attention to the individual gangs themselves, I was met with blank stares.
* I told city leaders that all they had to do to educate the people of Roanoke, Va. and the Roanoke Valley about gangs in the area was to tell people what the warning signs are about gangs and gang activity with our young people and in our neighborhoods. I told city leaders that the people of Roanoke, Va. and the Roanoke Valley are smart enough to figure out the rest.
* Again, blank stares.
* After dealing with those folks, I wrote "A PARENT'S GUIDE TO GANGS," an education tool parents and the citizens of the Roanoke Valley can use to better educate and protect themselves and their children from gang affiliation, gang membership, gang activity and gang violence in their communities. A link to "A PARENT'S GUIDE TO GANGS," is posted at the top of this page.
This was followed up by organizing and planning the Roanoke SCLC's annual JUNETEENTH Celebration, an event which is part of the Roanoke SCLC's gang prevention program. Added to this was my call for the people of Roanoke, Va. and the Roanoke Valley to support Congressman Bobby Scott's, "YOUTH PROMISE ACT." "THE YOUTH PROMISE ACT," is an outstanding piece of legislation which is aimed at dealing with gang prevention and the problems of gang activity and gang violence.
* Roanoke, Va. is a funny place. When city government decided to tear down a football stadium a few years ago, the people of the city raised holy hell. Then, the people of Roanoke, Va. made sure all of Roanoke's elected and appointed officials who were responsible for the stadium being torn down were either voted out of office or removed from office. A 15-year-old young man was shot and killed by a 16-year-old young man Sunday night. Life goes on in Roanoke, Va. Where is the outcry?
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6/15/09
* Last week a report from the Virginia Dept. of Education focusing on William Fleming High School in Roanoke, Va., found that school principal, Susan Willis, two assistant principals, the special education chairperson and the school's testing coordinator rigged the Virginia Standards of Learning test results for the past two, possibly three years. These five are accused of conspiring to keep children from taking the Virginia Standard of Learning tests in an effort to boost the school's SOL test scores.
* The plan of action for keeping certain William Fleming students from taking the SOL tests in order to keep the school's SOL tests results high was so good, so sneaky and so corrupt, that the average person would never know what was going on unless they knew exactly what to look for or unless you were told specifically what was being done to keep these students from taking the SOL tests in order to keep SOL test results high.
* The subjects involved in the SOL test result rigging are English, Algebra and Geometry. The test result rigging involved both special education students and non-special education students. For this report, the Virginia Dept. of Education investigation concentrated on the special education students at the school. Because of this, we may never know how many students were actually involved in what was going on at the school. I've been told that the total number of students involved in this scandal could number as high as 150 if non-special education students are included.
* In all, 31 students had their class schedules manipulated over the past two, possibly three years, so they would not have to take the Virginia SOL tests in these three subjects. Thirty-five other students were excluded from taking the Virginia SOL tests. Their class schedules were not manipulated. That's 66 students.
* Because of the test result rigging and schedule manipulation, 22 students at the school did not receive a standard high school diploma when they graduated from high school. These students received a modified diploma instead. A modified diploma means you passed you finished 12 years of school work, but, didn't pass your SOL tests.
In Virginia, you don't get a standard high school diploma unless you pass all of your classes and all of your SOL tests. A student needs a score of 400 or above to pass an SOL test. However, if a student scores between 375 and 400, they get to take the SOL test again, usually the following week. If the student scores between 375 and 400 again, the student gets credit for the test. The student also receives a standard high school diploma when they graduate.
* The plan to keep these students from taking the SOL tests was simple. Identify those students who would not do well on the test. Change their class schedules so they wouldn't have to take the test. Test those students who would either pass the test or who could possibly pass the test. Keep quiet about what you are doing.
* In the cases of the special education students, the plan had one added feature. The parents of these students were not notified of their child's schedule change in spite of the fact that failure to notify the parents of these students is a violation of federal law.
* It is beyond me how someone in education could engage in this type of behavior at the expense of a student. These students were exploited by people who should have known better, who put their own careers ahead of the well being and education of our high school students. The actions of these so-called educators is unconscionable.
Not only that, these so-called educators have reinforced the negative stereotypes that certain students, that go to certain schools, located in certain neighborhoods can't learn and can't pass standardized tests. As a result, educators have to cheat to get test scores high.
Also, the future careers and future earnings of these students have been put in jeopardy. Why? Some of these students who have already "graduated," graduated without getting a standard high school diploma. The civil rights of these students to get an education have been violated. The laws on the books that insure these student's right to get an education have been thrown in the trash can.
* Anyone in education who thinks any child is too dumb to learn or too dumb to pass a standardized test doesn't belong in education. These people betrayed the public trust in working to deny these students an education. These people should be fired from the Roanoke, Va. Public School System and their licenses to work in education should be revoked. These people should never be allowed to work in education again.
* The City of Roanoke fears a backlash if these so-called educators are fired. I'll tell you what. If these 5 so-called educators are not fired, the backlash caused by this inaction will be twice as bad. And, I guarantee you, I'll be one of the people who will be leading the charge to make sure justice is done.
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6/12/09
* The big day is almost here, JUNETEENTH '09. I hope to see you at Washington Park for some free food, free entertainment and a free good time on Saturday.
* A special thanks goes out to Brenda Keeling for putting together the entertainment portion of JUNETEENTH '09. Thank you.
* A special thanks goes out to Aaron Robbins, store manager for the Franklin Road WalMart and Mike Young, Market Manager for WalMart, for putting together the food portion of JUNETEENTH '09. Thank you.
* A special thanks goes out to Dwayne Powell. The man can throw down on some food. I'll be honest with you. I don't know how he does it, cooking on his grill all day. Thank you.
* WTOY, 1480 on your AM dial, thank you. The commercial time WTOY has given to run commercials for JUNETEENTH '09 have been fantastic. Thank you.
* Thank you to Roanoke, Va. City Manager Darlene Burcham, Roanoke City Government and its many agencies who are helping with Juneteenth '09. The Roanoke SCLC could not have JUNETEENTH '09 without you. Again, thank you.
* JUNETEENTH '09 would not be the event it has become without the help of so many people, organizations and government agencies who are responsible for its success. I've listed these wonderful people on the JUNETEENTH '09 page of JeffArtis.com. The Roanoke SCLC's JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS have been successful because of all of you. Thank you all.
* In the coming days I'll be posting pictures from JUNETEENTH '09 on JeffArtis.com. Feel free to make copies.
* Anyone and everyone is invited to attend JUNETEENTH '09. If you wish to participate in JUNETEENTH '09 it's not too late. Just give me a call at (540)355-4118.
* I hope to see you Saturday at JUNETEENTH '09, free food, free entertainment, a free good time. All you need to bring with you is something to sit on, your appetite and some friends and family. I hope to see you there.
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6/10/09
* No one dislikes cell phones more than I do. But, I've found a great cell phone company to do business with, Boost Mobile. For $50 bucks a month I get unlimited everything. And there's no contract to deal with. You can't beat that. When I first heard about Boost Mobile, I thought it was too good to be true. Now that I have the service, it's better than I thought it would be.
* Congratulations to Creigh Deeds winning the Virginia Democratic Primary for Governor. Deeds will make an outstanding Governor. Getting Deeds elected in November won't be easy. The Republicans are well prepared, well organized, well funded and extremely determined to win in November.
* Most important, I don't think Virginia Republicans will make the mistake of running their gubernatorial campaign based on the old "Culture Wars" model. I hope I'm wrong on this one. Why? Because, if I'm wrong and the Republicans do start playing the "Culture Wars," it will be much easier for Deeds to win in November.
* A key factor in November's election will be the Black vote. If Blacks come anywhere close to voting this November like Blacks voted last November, Deeds will win.
* I'm not surprised that Onzlee Ware defeated Martin Jeffrey in the Roanoke, Va., 11'th District House of Delegate Democratic Primary, 69%-31%. I'm sure Ware and the Onzlee Ware Fan Club figured they'd beat Jeffrey 80%-20% or even 75%-25%. I told people don't be surprised if Jeffrey got 30%-35% of the vote.
* I'm not surprised by the low turnout of this primary. I did think that Ware would do a better job getting his people to the polls for this election. I thought the turnout for this primary would be about 10-15%.
* I always felt that Jeffrey would do better running against Ware as an Independent. Jeffrey had no chance of winning the Democratic nomination given the current state of Roanoke's Democratic Party. Plus, as far as money went, Ware had about $65,000 to Jeffrey's $4,000. Running as an Independent would have given Jeffrey more time to raise money for his campaign.
* I think Jeffrey made a mistake concentrating on Ware's paperwork controversy and Ware's campaign spending controversy instead of the issues. I didn't hear too much from Jeffrey about what he would do if he were the Democratic nominee in November. Nor did I hear much from Jeffrey about what he would do if he were elected in November.
* Still, Jeffrey ran a good campaign, given what he was up against.
* Here's hoping Jeffrey decides to run as an Independent in November. A three-way race in November for the 11'th District House of Delegate seat will be an interesting race.
* One final note on the Roanoke, Va. Democratic Primary. Joe Bush ran in the Roanoke, Va. Democratic Primary for Sheriff. Bush was endorsed by Onzlee Ware. Ware's endorsement killed the Bush campaign. More than one person told me they didn't know who to vote for as the Democratic nominee for sheriff. But, once Bush was endorsed by Ware, their decision was made for them. These people told me in no uncertain terms that they'd never vote for anyone endorsed by Onzlee Ware. I know I'll never vote for anyone endorsed by Ware in any local election.
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6/8/09
* Tuesday is Election Day in Virginia. Don't forget to vote in your local and statewide primary.
* Creigh Deeds is my choice in the Democratic Primary for Governor. Good man.
* There are a lot of upset people out there who are ticked at the Roanoke, Va. Public School Administration and the Roanoke, Va. School Board. However, if these people would look at the numbers and the reasons why this course of action was taken, I'm sure these upset people will get a greater understand of the situation.
* Last Thursday, I was asked what I thought about the job Dr. Rita Bishop was doing as superintendent of the Roanoke, Va. Public School System. Personally, I think she's doing an outstanding job. We disagree on some things, like merit pay for teachers. However, if I thought she wasn't doing a good job and the school system was headed in the right direction, I wouldn't work for the Roanoke Public School System.
* Why was I asked this question? In last Thursday's Roanoke Times newspaper, it was reported that 10 Roanoke, Va. Public School administrators were given a raise in spite of a division wide salary freeze. This is not entirely true.
* The 10 administrators were not given raises. Six administrators were given promotions. One administrator was placed in his proper job category. Three administrators are taking on new duties due to a reduction in force in the school's administration. In every case the administrators new salaries also reflect the administrator's new job title plus their additional work load. It should also be noted that in some cases, these administrators will no longer be paid for working overtime, since these administrators are now salaried employees.
* The school system could have hired three more administrators to cover the current workload. Instead, this course of action was taken to save money by spreading the workload around to these ten people. Simple put, there are now 10 people doing the job of 13, a cost savings of over $100,000 to the Roanoke Public School System.
In the long run, doing things this way saves the Roanoke City Public School System money. To date, cuts made in the Roanoke City Public School System have saved the system $941,259. That's not chump change.
* As a teacher in the Roanoke, Va. Public School System, when I first saw the headline in last Thursday's Roanoke Times newspaper, I was not happy. I don't have a contract for next year. And if I get a contract, I won't get a raise in salary. After talking with Dr. Rita Bishop, Superintendent for the Roanoke Va. Public School System and seeing the data on the cost savings to the school system, I understand what is going on and why things were done the way they were done.
* The Roanoke Times talks a good game when it comes to education and supporting our children. But. . . Every year I have lived in Roanoke, The Roanoke Times has had a special graduation section in their paper showing the pictures and names of all of the graduates of the Roanoke Valley's high schools. Families in the Valley looked forward to this special edition of The Roanoke Times, often buying several copies of this edition of the paper. After all, I can't think of any parent who doesn't bust out with pride after seeing their son or daughter's picture in the newspaper.
* Due to budget cuts at the paper, the special graduation section of The Roanoke Times will not be published this year. The Roanoke Valley community feels let down. Some have told me they won't buy The Roanoke Times again.
I bring this up for one reason. When it comes to budget cuts, people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
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6/5/09
As we celebrate the 65'th anniversary of the D-Day Invasion this weekend, please don't forget the sacrifices of these brave men, women and their families.
THE FOLLOWING IS MY COLUMN FROM THE 6/4/09 EDITION OF THE ROANOKE STAR-SENTINEL
President Barack Obama’s choice of Sonia Sotomayor to serve on the United States Supreme Court is an excellent one. I've been following this lady's career for quite some time. She knows her stuff and will make an excellent Supreme Court Justice.
Of course, there are those who will disagree with my assessment. These folks will say they are concerned about Ms. Sotomayor being an "activist judge," that they are afraid Ms. Sotomayor will try to legislate from the bench.
I get a good laugh whenever I hear the nonsense over so-called activist judges. Why? Because there is no such thing as an activist judge, especially on the Supreme Court. Judges do not decide public policy. However, there are instances when judges have to decide the Constitutionality of a case. That is their job. That is what they get paid for. That is their responsibility under the United States Constitution.
When the Supreme Court ruled Jim Crow segregation illegal in the case, Brown v. Board of Education, in 1954, the Court did so because the Court determined that segregation in America was Unconstitutional, not because the Court wanted America to be a better place to live.
In the early 1960’s when the Supreme Court expanded the rights of the accused, in the cases of Escobedo v. Illinois, Gideon v. Wainwright and Miranda v. Arizona, the Court did so because the Court determined that certain Constitutional rights of those accused of committing a crime were being violated, not because the Court wanted guilty people to go free.
The Supreme Court deciding the Constitutionality of a court case is as old as America itself. The Founding Fathers gave the Court this power in Article III of the Constitution. The power of judicial review was later reaffirmed in the case Marbury v. Madison in 1803.
Again, there is no such thing as an activist judge. However, there are people who disagree with Supreme Court rulings who only want to make an issue of judges doing their jobs.
I would be remiss if I did not remind the readers of "The Roanoke Star-Sentinel" of a very special upcoming event. On June 13’th, beginning at 12 noon, the Roanoke, Va. Southern Christian Leadership Conference will be holding "JUNETEENTH ’09," at Washington Park on Orange Ave. "JUNETEENTH ‘09" is a day we celebrate the end of slavery in America, as well as, celebrate unity, fellowship and brotherhood here in the Valley.
"JUNETEENTH ’09" is also part of the Roanoke SCLC’s gang prevention program. The Roanoke SCLC wants to provide our young people with an opportunity to meet positive role models from all spectrums and all walks of life in hope that our youth will become productive citizens. To meet this objective, businesses, churches, clubs, colleges, schools and civic organizations are invited to attend "JUNETEENTH ’09." These groups are also invited to set up a table free of charge for community education. As always, everything at the Roanoke’s SCLC’s JUNETEENTH celebration is free; free food, free entertainment, and a free good time.
Last year’s "JUNETEENTH" celebration was a huge success. This year’s event will be even better. To see an updated roster for this year‘s event or to see pictures and information concerning "JUNETEENTH ’07" or "JUNETEENTH ’08," please log onto,
www.jeffartis.com and visit any of the "JUNETEENTH" links. If you would like to participate in "JUNETEENTH ‘09", please contact me at (540)366-3719 or (540)355-4118. I would be honored for you to attend and/or participate in this wonderful event of unity, fellowship and brotherhood.
* One final note. The Roanoke, Va. NAACP had a change of heart as reported earlier this week in THE ARTIS BLOG. The Board of Directors of the Roanoke, Va. NAACP determined that House of Delegate candidate, Martin Jeffrey, would be allowed to appear on the 6/6/09 NAACP Radio Show. Wise move since not allowing Jeffrey to appear on the show could be a violation of campaign laws.
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6/3/09
* There is less than a week until the June 9 Democratic Primary. There are 10 days until JUNETEENTH '09. I hope to see you there.
* I applaud President Obama's attempts to form a better relationship between the United States and the Muslim world.
* Roanoke, Va. City Manager, Darlene Burcham, is retiring on March 1, 2010. Say what you want about Ms. Burcham, but. . . .
* The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge was built on her watch. Ms. Burcham has been a supporter of the Roanoke, Va.'s SCLC's Juneteenth Celebration. Plus, Ms. Burcham opened up Roanoke City Government to the people of Northwest Roanoke. These things would have not have happened under other Roanoke, Va. City Managers.
* Ms. Burcham and I have had our disagreements through the years, some big, some very big. However, I have a great deal of respect for her. Through it all, I appreciate the respect she has shown me and the support she has given to the Roanoke SCLC.
* One other thing. When it comes to city policy and the spending of our tax dollars, Ms. Burcham did what Roanoke City Council allowed her to do. Ms. Burcham should not be the scapegoat for the problems facing the Roanoke, Va. City Government, especially on the economic side.
* The paperwork checked out. Roanoke, Va. Commonwealth Attorney, Don Caldwell, has announced that the paperwork of Roanoke, Va. House of Delegate member, Onzlee Ware, is a o.k. and Ware should be on the ballot for the upcoming June 9 Democratic Primary. Caldwell, a Ware supporter, Ware contributor and THE GUY in the Roanoke, Va. City Democratic Party, conducted the investigation himself in spite of disparaging comments aimed at the Martin Jeffrey Campaign in the Roanoke media. Jeffrey is challenging Ware in the June Primary.
Interesting.
* Jeff Gordon will win this year's NASCAR Championship. However, after I saw Jimmy Johnson win last week's race at Dover and the way he did it, I wouldn't be surprised if Jimmy won his 4'th NASCAR Championship in a row.
* I like Detroit to win the NHL Stanley Cup in 7 games. Yeah, Black folks do like hockey.
* I'm not a fan of Kobe Bryant. Still, I like the Lakers to win the NBA Championship in 6 games.
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* Twelve more days until JUNETEENTH '09. I hope to see you there.
* I've been told that Martin Jeffrey, who is running against Roanoke, Va. House of Delegate member Onzlee Ware in the upcoming June 9'th Democratic Primary, was scheduled to appear on the next Roanoke NAACP's radio show this Saturday morning at 9:00 A.M. on WTOY Radio, 1480 A.M. The key word here is, "was."
* It looks like the Roanoke, Va. NAACP President, Brenda Hale, a Ware supporter, cancelled Jeffrey's appearance.
* Even more odd is the fact that Jeffrey is a past President of the Roanoke, Va. NAACP.
* Talk about disrespect. Talk about a civil rights organization playing politics. Talk about just being dirty and not representing the community, especially Roanoke's Black community.
* My sources tell me that Ware was asked to appear on the NAACP Radio Show. He refused. I'm not surprised by Ware's actions. Ware only gives interviews to people who kiss his ring.
* As for Ware's relationship with the Roanoke NAACP, there was an incident at the General Assembly not long ago when the Roanoke NAACP went to the General Assembly to see Ware. Ware hid out in his office. And now, the Roanoke NAACP is protecting Ware by keeping Jeffrey of its radio show, as well as, its television show. Only in Roanoke, Va.
* Add another group to the list of folks who have problems with Ware's work in Richmond. That group is the Virginia General Assembly's Legislative Black Caucus.
* On the controversy concerning Ware's use of his campaign funds, the Virginia State Board of Elections is going to ask Ware to re-file his paperwork and provide more details on how he spent his has spent his campaign funds, information Ware is said to have failed to provide when he first filed his paperwork.
* No word yet on if Ware gave campaign funds to the dead people who have appeared in his campaign ads or to the people who live outside of his district who are also in those ads.