The News

Race Reaffirmed by Politics in the South; Clinton, Obama Ditch Border Talk

Race Reframed in Southern Politics
Like Barack Obama’s campaign for president, two Black men in the South are also appealing to white voters and winning. While some see their success as evidence of a post-race South, Alabama residents that were interviewed believed the Black candidate was “one of us,” and therefore different than Black people who, “don’t want to be nothing.” New York Times.

Police Defend 2 of 50 Shots in Sean Bell Killing
The two officers charged with manslaughter for the death of Sean Bell fired 42 of the total 50 shots that killed the unarmed man, but their defense team will argue the significance of the first two bullets that they fired to prove the deadly act was justified. New York Times.

Crack Offenders To Be Released Mostly Black, Nonviolent
Most of the convicted drug offenders who petitioned the court under the new federal sentencing guidelines were not charged with violent crimes. Despite these facts, Attorney General Mukasey calls the small-time drug dealers the , “most serious and violent offenders in the federal system.” Washington Post.

Muslim Students Debate on College Campuses
After 9/11, Muslim student associations saw a rise in participation and became increasingly political, but the students are also debating ways to interpret their faith and its tension with American culture. New York Times.

Clinton and Obama Back Away from Border Debate in TX
Roberto Lovato says, “Their change of vote and mind says much about the rapid rise of Latino electoral power this year. No one, not even most Latino pundits, had any idea of the force with which Latinos would enter this election.” Huffington Post.

Posted at 8:19 AM, Feb 22, 2008 in News | Permalink | View Comments