What Are Minority Groups Thinking ???

Monday, May, 18, 2009 by Mel Phillips.

Frustrated by House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers’ (D-Mich) lack of concern for their opposition to the Performance Rights Act, minority broadcasters sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi asking her to “ensure that additional thoughtful analysis and deliberation is permitted” before the Act is voted on by the full House.  Last time we checked, Ms. Pelosi had her own problems to worry about, mainly explaining who she was criticizing when she said she was lied to by the CIA about water-boarding.  She’s hardly the person to reach out to for help right now…

The letter was written by Spanish Broadcasters Association Director Francisco Montero, Minority Media and Telecommunications Council Executive Director David Hong and Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Executive Director Barbara Arnwine.  The letter says the law “would disproportionately harm present and future minority radio broadcasters and their listening communities” and could “have an equally devastating effect on the civil rights advances we as a nation have made and will be able to make in the future.”  The signers of the letter say that Conyers disregarded their due process requests as the committe passed the “harmful legislation,” and ask Pelosi to “ensure that these issues and all policy implications are fully vetted before this legislation is scheduled for consideration on the House floor.” …

This is a whole bunch of legalese that calls into play a civil rights issue that should not be used, especially since Representative Conyers is himself a minority.  Shame on all parties using it as such…   

10 Timeline Memories:

1. 1631] This I swear: John Winthrop takes the oath of office and becomes the first Governor of Massachusetts…
2. 1897] The Count begins: A public reading of Bram Stoker’s new novel “Dracula” or “The Un-dead” is staged in London…
3. 1934] No kidding around: Congress approves the “Lindbergh Act” making kidnapping a capital offense…
4. 1951] Move on: The United Nations moves out of its temporary headquarters in Lake Success (NY) for its permanent home in Manhattan. Those of us who live in Manhattan would like it to move back…
5. 1980] Blowing its top: The Mount St. Helens volcano in Washington State explodes, leaving 57 dead or missing…
6. 1995] ‘Happy Trails’: Elizabeth Montgomery, star of “Bewitched” passes away from colorectal cancer at 62…
7. 1998] Guilty as charged: The federal government files a sweeping antitrust case against Microsoft Corporation…
8. 1998] Curtains: “Murphy Brown” starring Candice Bergen ends its 10-year run…
9. 2003] Miserable news: “Les Miserables“, the third-longest running show in Broadway history, closes after more than 16 years and 6,680 performances…
10. 2004] Perfecto: Arizona’s Randy Johnson becomes the oldest pitcher, at 40, to pitch a perfect game, against Atlanta…

Music Memories:

• 1959] Number One on this date: “Kansas City” - Wilbert Harrison…1960] “Cathy’s Clown” - Everly Brothers…1963] “If You Wanna Be Happy“ - Jimmy Soul…1969] “Get Back” - Beatles…
• 1968] Released on this date: “Tip Toe Through The Tulips” - Tiny Tim…

“Happy Birthday…happy birthday”: Tina Fey (39), Reggie Jackson (63), Albert Hammond (67), Dwayne Hickman (75), Pernell Roberts (81), Jack Whitaker (85) and Bill Macy (87)…

Timeline Countdown: 7 days until Memorial Day, 34 days until Father’s Day, 34 days until summer and 47 days until July 4th…

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