The last several weeks, my focus has been on Congress. Much of what Congress does or doesn’t do has something to do with race and racism. So, I watched several hearings, and I wrote down my thoughts. I also read a few bills. That may sound like a studious process, but you didn't hear me screaming at the TV.
For this newsletter, I wrote what some may call a rant about Congress. Paying subscribers can read my fighting words here because I decided not to lead with those words.
March is Women’s History Month. So, I want to lead with this story in Politico from January:
“In the same year the U.S. elected its first Black woman to serve as vice president, the House Democratic Caucus once again elected a leadership team that didn’t include a single Black woman.”
That is unacceptable. Look, I’ve said the GOP is a hate group, and I will continue to say it until the party changes or dies. And to be clear, I have a strong preference for die.
But the Democrats are not a helpful group. And what House Democrats have done to Black women is hateful. We have one party in this country that is a terrorist organization, and the other party is trash. Terrorism and trash aren’t working so well for the country. I hope House Democrats clean up themselves and make themselves useful.
Read on for newsletter extras, including a discussion thread on Harry and Meghan, and news from around the world.
Newsletter Extras
I have four new features to share. The first and second will run the next several weeks. And the third and fourth will appear periodically for paying subscribers.
“Reparations: The Big Payback”
This is a new podcast all about reparations. I’ll listen to it each week and write up my thoughts to share with everyone. In my commentary, I provide some citations for what the hosts discuss and I also share additional resources. See what I have to say about episode 1, episode 2, and episode 3.
“Amend: The Fight for America” on Netflix
This six-part series on Netflix reviews the history of fighting for equal rights through the history of the 14th amendment. I plan to watch one episode per week for the next several weeks and share my thoughts. I watched the first episode and the second episode. Read my thoughts on episode 1 and episode 2.
“Views to Disabuse” for Paying Subscribers:
Maybe it's just me, but when I read something about race and racism, I think about sources and citations. If the thought is not supported by history or other thinkers, I usually reject the statement.
Going forward, when I read or hear something I know to be inaccurate, I’ll share it in this newsletter with citations to counter the statement. It’s important that I not only share my opinion, but also share sources. I’m starting the first “Views to Disabuse” with the tweet above.
What's the problem with the tweet? How would you respond to it? Paying subscribers can read my response with citations here.
Discussion Thread for Paying Subscribers:
Please tell me what you think the ordeal Harry and Meghan went through says about racism, race, and whiteness in this discussion thread on Substack.
📰 News and Headlines
Racism and Race in Government: Read my thoughts on OMB, DHS, the Equality Act, The For the People Act, The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, and American Rescue Plan.
Racism and Race in Business, Theatre, Beauty, Education, and Anti-Asian Racism: Read about Jeep, the accountability report for white American theater, beauty and South Asian women, the whiteness of Greek life, and resources to stop anti-Asian racism.
Racism and Race Around the World: With the news in this section, I'm visiting the UK, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, the Netherlands, Mexico, and Israel. Did you know Australia has a Race Discrimination Commissioner who makes $350,000 a year?
📍Where to Find Me and Why
Medium: for occasional, short blog posts
Substack: for longer substance by email, free and paid, browse and click through
Email: from your inbox, hit reply to message me
⏭The Next Newsletter
March 10: The Midweek Mini News. Last week, I shared with paying subscribers a mini summation of news midweek. It’s brief. And in the future, it may be specific to one topic.
March 13: My next newsletter with something for everyone should come out this weekend.
Thanks for reading, sharing, and your support.