by Jonathan P-Wright | Sep 13, 2023 | Latest, POLITICS, Social Justice |
Image Credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com
In a shocking revelation, five former officers of the British police force have publicly admitted to circulating racist messages about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. This unsettling news has once again brought to the forefront the issue of racism that has been a longstanding concern within the British establishment.
The Guilty Officers and Their Charges
The five officers – Robert Lewis, Peter Booth, Anthony Elsom, Alan Hall, and Trevor Lewton – confessed their guilt at London’s Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Their charges included sending grossly offensive racist messages via public communication.
A sixth officer, Michael Chadwell, declined the identical charge and is expected to return to court on November 6. The rest are scheduled for sentencing on the same day.
These officers were previously part of London’s Metropolitan Police Force, serving in the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection branch, responsible for safeguarding politicians and diplomats.
The Incriminating Messages
The officers were arrested and charged following a BBC investigation last year that uncovered their clandestine activities. These included the circulation of offensive and racist messages in a closed WhatsApp group. Their derogatory comments targeted not only the Duke and Duchess of Sussex but also other members of the royal family, such as Prince William, Kate, the late Queen Elizabeth II, and her late husband, Prince Philip. High-profile political figures like U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, former interior minister Priti Patel, and former Health Secretary Sajid Javid were also victims of their contemptuous remarks.
The messages were circulated between 2020 and 2022, a period during which none of the accused were serving as officers. According to Newsweek, their conversations also included discussions about the U.K. government’s plans to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda and the floods in Pakistan.
A Not-So-Isolated Incident
This incident is not an isolated one. In 2022, two active officers were discharged from service when their racist conversations on WhatsApp were revealed publicly. Shockingly, one of these messages was even circulated during the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018.
The Impact of Racism on the Royal Couple
These racist incidents significantly contributed to the decision of the royal couple to relocate to America in 2020. They stepped away from the monarchy, citing the high tension between members of the royal family, the royal institution, and the British tabloid press.
In the 2021 documentary series, The Me You Can’t See, Prince Harry revealed to Oprah Winfrey that the media played a significant role in fostering racial hatred against his wife. He expressed regret over not taking a firm stand against racism earlier in his relationship with Meghan.
by Fabiola Noel | Sep 13, 2023 | Latest, Social Justice |
Image Credit: Photo by Emiliano Bar on Unsplash
Brooklyn’s West Indian Day Parade, an exuberant celebration of Caribbean culture, took an unexpected and tragic turn this year. On the evening of September 4th, a man was shot and killed close to the parade route, sparking a wave of shock and grief throughout NYC.
The Unfortunate Event
According to reports from The Daily News, the horrific incident occurred just three blocks away from the parade. A 911 call at approximately 8:50 p.m. led police officers to Sterling Place near Schenectady Ave., where they discovered the lifeless body of Muhammad Malik, a 51-year-old man. Malik had sustained multiple gunshot wounds, a chilling testament to the brutal confrontation that had unfolded.
The Suspect
Authorities quickly zeroed in on a suspect. Sergio Codrington, 39, was arrested and subsequently charged with murder, criminal possession of a firearm, and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Eyewitnesses claim that Codrington had briefly left the scene before returning, at which point he was identified and apprehended by the police.
Eyewitness Account
One witness, who identified himself as Roman, provided a harrowing account of the incident. He revealed that the perpetrator had fired multiple shots, ensuring that Malik would not survive. Roman’s testimony paints a chilling picture of the calculated malice behind this act, an act that left the NYC community reeling.
“There were lots of shots,” Roman told The Daily News on Monday night. “They gave him everything. They made sure he was dead.”
The Aftermath
Despite the best efforts of paramedics, Malik was beyond saving. As Roman recounted, “They were pumping and pumping, but he wasn’t moving,” he said. “He was a dead man.”
An atmosphere of sorrow and disbelief descended upon the city, especially within the community of the West Indian Day Parade. This annual event, typically marked by unity and cultural pride, was now tainted by the specter of senseless violence.
The Victim’s Father Speaks
Hamza Malik, Muhammad’s father, spoke out about the loss of his son. The elderly man conveyed his despair and incomprehension, stating that the alleged killer had shot Muhammad in the back multiple times without any apparent reason.
“Shot him in the back,” the 80-year-old Hamza stated. “Three to four bullets hit him in the back. He killed him for no reason at all, just like that.”
Service Details
The funeral service for Muhammad Malik is scheduled for Tuesday, September 12, at the J. Foster Phillips Funeral Home at 179-24 Linden Boulevard in Queens.
The Bigger Picture: Social Justice and Crime in NYC
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issues of social justice and crime within NYC. As we grapple with this loss, it is imperative that we continue to work towards a safer, more just society.
by Minnee | Sep 13, 2023 | Latest, POLITICS |
Image Credit: Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash
Georgia’s Fulton County District Attorney, FANI WILLIS, is an unswerving advocate for justice. Her recent encounter with U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) demonstrates her steadfast dedication to her role, refusing to kowtow to political pressure or partisan agendas.
Willis vs. Jordan: A Clash of Convictions
Willis has taken the spotlight, following her bold response to Rep. Jim Jordan’s inquiry regarding Donald Trump’s election case. Jordan, a staunch Trump ally and Republican chair of the House Judiciary Committee, expressed reservations over her investigation into Trump and his associates’ attempts to overturn the 2020 elections. Jordan demanded documentation by September 7, but Willis countered with a comprehensive rebuttal, addressing the inaccuracies and misleading statements in his letter.
Willis’s Rebuttal
“Its obvious purpose is to obstruct a Georgia criminal proceeding and to advance outrageous partisan misrepresentations,” Willis wrote. “As I make clear below, there is no justification in the Constitution for Congress to interfere with a state criminal matter, as you attempt to do.”
Accusations of Constitutional Violation
Willis accused Jordan of violating the U.S. Constitution, alleging that he was trying to interfere with her office’s prosecution and obstruct justice. She stated that his inquiry infringes upon state sovereignty over state law matters.
“Your public statements and your letter itself make clear that you lack any legitimate legislative purpose for that inquiry: your job description as a legislator does not include criminal law enforcement, nor does it include supervising a specific criminal trial because you believe that doing so will promote your partisan political objectives,” Willis stated.
Backlash and Threats: The Price of Pursuing Justice
The investigation led by Willis has not been met without resistance. Trump and his allies have targeted her, accusing her of politically motivated persecution. They have called for punitive measures against her, including impeachment.
Local Legislators’ Opposition
Even legislators from her own state, such as Sen. Colton Moore, threatened to convene a special session to defund Willis’ office and called for her impeachment. Yet, Georgia’s Gov. Brian Kemp defended Willis, denouncing Moore’s attempts to raise money from Trump supporters as a “grifter scam.”
Undeterred Pursuit of Justice
Despite the threats and accusations, Willis and her team have remained undeterred. In August, Trump was hit with felony racketeering and conspiracy counts in a 41-count indictment, naming 19 defendants, according to NBC News.
In response to Rep. Jordan’s probe, Willis affirmed her commitment to upholding the law.
If people want to avoid felony charges in Fulton County, including violating state racketeering and RICO laws, then they shouldn’t commit those felonies,” Willis stated.
Conclusion
GEORGIA DA FANI WILLIS embodies the spirit of justice, refusing to bow down to political pressure or partisan interests. Her steadfast resolve to uphold the law and pursue justice, regardless of the opposition, makes her a beacon of integrity in today’s often murky political landscape.
by Laghe Andrews | Sep 13, 2023 | Latest, POLITICS |
Image Credit: Photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash
The latest POLL from Economist/YouGov reveals a surprising insight into the American public’s view concerning mental competency tests for senior politicians. A significant 76% of Americans have expressed strong or partial support for implementing mandatory mental competency tests for politicians aged 75 and above. This POLL not only highlights the shared concern among Americans about the mental fitness of their leaders but also underscores a growing demand for policy reforms in the political landscape.
Uncovering the Poll Results
According to the POLL conducted by The Economist/YouGov, only 13% of Americans oppose the notion of a compulsory mental capacity test for politicians over 75, while 11% expressed uncertainty. The POLL revealed a bipartisan consensus, with 80% of Republicans and 70% of Democrats advocating for the competency test.
These numbers undoubtedly reflect a shared concern among Americans over the mental acuity of their leaders, especially those of advanced age. This finding is particularly significant considering the high average age of politicians holding office in the current Congress.
Age Differential: The Politicians Vs. The Public
Data from Quorum shows a stark age difference between the average American and their representatives. The average age of Americans is 38, while the average age of the current Congress is 58. This substantial age gap has triggered concerns about the ability of older politicians to understand and address the issues that younger Americans face.
The Age Factor in the 2024 Presidential Election
The age of politicians becomes an even more prominent issue when looking at potential candidates for the 2024 Presidential Election. Both frontrunners, President Joe Biden, 80, and former President Donald Trump, 77, significantly exceed the 75-year age benchmark.
Despite the presence of younger Republican candidates, such as former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, 51, and Florida Gov. Ron Desantis, 44, they lag considerably behind Trump in the POLLS.
In contrast, the Democratic candidates for the 2028 election comprise younger potentials. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro are all below 55.
Health Concerns Among Senior Politicians
Health issues among senior politicians have been in the headlines lately. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, 81, appeared to freeze for the second time while responding to questions during a live press conference last week.
California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, 90, is reportedly struggling with encephalitis and Ramsey Hunt Syndrome. She has given her daughter power of attorney and relies on several aides to perform her duties.
These incidents have amplified the public’s concern over the ability of older politicians to serve effectively. According to the POLL, a majority of Democrats and Republicans believe that health and age have significantly hampered these politicians’ capacity to serve in the Senate.
The Age Problem in American Politics
The age of American politicians has become a contentious issue, with many Americans believing that the country’s politicians are too old. The argument is that their age is hindering the country from progressing and embracing innovative ideas, such as a universal basic income for low-income Americans and alternative energy sources like solar and wind power to combat climate change.
Proposal to Amend the Constitution
In response to these concerns, House Republican Rep. John James of Michigan has proposed an amendment to the US Constitution that would effectively bar anyone over 75 from serving in Congress or as the President of the United States.
Age and the 2024 Election
The issue of age will likely continue to dominate political discussions and presidential debates as the 2024 election draws nearer. The rising support for mental competency tests among Americans, as indicated by the POLL, suggests that this debate will not be silenced anytime soon.
The Poll’s Methodology
The POLL was conducted from Sept. 2-5 by The Economist/YouGov, with a sample size of 1,329 registered voters. The diversity of the respondents effectively captured a broad spectrum of American opinions, making the POLL results highly representative of the national sentiment.
The Takeaway
The POLL results reveal a substantial consensus among Americans on the need for mandatory mental competency tests for politicians over 75. This consensus spans across party lines, indicating a widespread concern about the role of age and health in political leadership.
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