Six months ago, the world seemed united with commitments to help Haiti recover. Now, half a year later, the rubble remains and misery blankets the refugee camps. July 12th marked the six-month anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti that killed as many as 300,000 people and left much of the country in ruins. Up to 1.8 million people are living in unlivable tent cities, with inadequate, if any, sanitation, no electricity, and little protection from the intense heat and the worsening rains. Rape, hunger and despair are constant threats to the people stranded in the camps.

I am not surprised that Haitians are angry. I join them in questioning where the billions of dollars donated in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake have gone. The Disaster Accountability Project found that of the 197 organizations that solicited money following the earthquake, only six had publicly available reports detailing their activities.

From the “international donor community,” more than $9 billion was pledged, but to date, only Brazil, Norway and Australia have paid in full. Most of the United States’ pledge of $1.15 billion is held up in Congress.

According to The Washington Post, only 2 percent of promised reconstruction aid has been delivered. The hurricane season is active in Haiti, and millions there are counting on all of us making good on our pledges.

If you want to support Haiti and her people please consider supporting the Haiti Emergency Relief Fund
and to stay up to date please visit Haiti Action

Credit Denis Moynihan and Amy Goodman, host of “Democracy Now!” who have been providing on going coverage on relief efforts in Haiti and were referenced for this article.

Cross-posted on Ella’s Voice

UC Davis Campus

From the Advocate.com website By Kenneth Harvey

In response to recent racist and homophobic incidents on multiple University of California campuses, school administrators have proposed changes in admissions policies to boost enrollment of minorities, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Meeting in San Francisco, the University of California board of regents spent two hours Wednesday discussing the situations on several campuses, including the use of a racial epithet on a student television show at UC San Diego, swastikas that were spray-painted and carved into several locations across the UC Davis. campus and an an anti-gay slogan spray-painted on the UC Davis gay and lesbian center.

University of California leaders apologized to black UCSD students for recent racial incidents.

“It is the absence of inclusion that frees hatred, that frees bigotry, that allows it to go unchallenged. That’s our biggest problem,” regent Eddie Island said.

UC system president Mark Yudof acknowledged the recent “Compton Cookout” incident highlighted the issue of low enrollment of African-American students on the campus.

Yudof said he wanted all UC campuses to adopt an admissions process he deemed a “holistic” review, in which applicants’ test scores and high school grades are considered in the context of their life experiences and personal accomplishments.

“I want a system that is less mechanical and takes a serious look at a range of talents and skills and history, and takes into account poverty,” Yudof said.

Holistic review is permitted at UCSD; however, Yudof said he wants the system to be required at all nine UC undergraduate campuses. UCLA and UC Berkeley use the approach frequently, while UC San Diego and other campuses use a more rigid formula that focuses less on the personal accomplishments of a student.

This change would require approval by the system-wide faculty senate, something that will be discussed in a few months, officials said

_______

University of California President Mark Yudof condemned recent incidents of campus intolerance during a March 24 special session of the U.C. Board of Regents in San Francisco.

“What we have witnessed in recent weeks are quite simply the worst acts of racism, intolerance and incivility I’ve seen on college campuses in recent years,” Yudof said. “There are no excuses for the behavior we witnessed.”

Yudof and the regents, meeting at the UCSF Mission Bay campus, discussed for approximately three hours ways to prevent ethnically and racially charged incidents like those that have occurred recently at U.C. Davis, U.C. San Diego and U.C. Irvine. They didn’t take any action, but promised to act soon.

Over the past two months, six swastikas have been discovered on the U.C. Davis campus — on a residence hall bulletin board, on the dorm room door of Jewish student and in public spaces.

“It breaks my heart to report the acts of hatred and intolerance committed on the Davis campus,” U.C. Davis Chancellor Linda Katehi said during the session, “a campus that is widely known for its exceptional civility.”

Katehi commended the U.C. Davis Police Department for its quick response and said campus authorities are “vigorously investigating” the incidents with the FBI.

At U.C. San Diego, a student hung a rope that resembled a noose in the campus’ main library, and fraternity students held an off-campus party called the “Compton Cookout” to mock Black History Month, according to NBC’s San Diego affiliate.

On the U.C. Irvine campus recently, hundreds of protesters converged on the administration building in support of 11 students who were arrested for disrupting a speech last month by Michael Oren, Israel’s ambassador for the United States.

The protest, convened by the Muslim Student Union and several other campus groups, was met by a counter demonstration of about 60 people organized by local Jewish student groups.

At the March 24 meeting, a subtle line was drawn between the “ghetto” parties and swastikas soundly deplored by students, chancellors and regents alike, and the heckling of Oren at Irvine, which some speakers felt fell into the category of protected free speech.

“We stand in solidarity with the Irvine 11,” declared Victor Sanchez, president of the U.C. Student Association, in his opening words to the regents during the meeting.

Regent Sherry Lansing challenged U.C. Irvine Chancellor Michael Drake on the topic, asking whether Oren had been permitted to finish his speech. He had, Drake said, noting the history of Muslim-Jewish tensions at the university.

In his address to the regents, Drake underlined his deep dismay at the heckling of the Israeli ambassador, saying it crossed the line from free speech into “intolerable behavior.”

“Issues related to the Middle East conflict play themselves out on our campuses,” Drake said. “No matter which side you’re on, people benefit from learning tolerance and listening respectfully.”

Throughout the meeting, which streamed live online and was viewed at times by more than 800 people, regents offered their apologies to the students who were in attendance, and suggested ways to promote diversity on all U.C. campuses.

From the

The US House of Representatives has narrowly voted to pass a landmark healthcare reform bill at the heart of President Barack Obama’s agenda.

The bill was passed by 219 votes to 212, with no Republican backing, after hours of fierce argument and debate.

It extends coverage to 32 million more Americans, and marks the biggest change to the US healthcare system in decades.

“We proved that we are still a people capable of doing big things,” Mr Obama said in remarks after the vote.

According to the Congressional Budget Office, the final version of the Democrats’ healthcare plan will cut the federal deficit by $138bn (£92bn) over 10 years.

The non-partisan body said the proposed legislation would cost about $940bn (£626bn) over a decade.

The reforms will increase insurance coverage through tax credits for the middle class and expansion of the Medicaid program for the poor.

They represent the biggest change in the US healthcare system since the creation in the 1960s of Medicare, the government-run scheme for Americans aged 65 or over.

News Website THE WEEK says:

A Swiss company has begun selling extra-small condoms—called “Hotshots” — made for boys as young as 12, after a government study found that adolescents in Switzerland are not using proper protection when having sex. The Swiss Aids Federation and family planning groups pushed for the smaller condoms—which for now are only being sold in Switzerland—on the theory that teens would be more likely to wear Hotshots, which are 1.7 inches wide, than standard condoms, which are 2 inches wide. Will marketing condoms to 12 year olds keep them safe, or just encourage them to have sex?

Selling kids tiny starter condoms is ’so wrong’: This sends the “worst possible message” to boys, says Rachel Henwood. “Randy pint-sized” men already see sex everywhere, and think it’s cool. Tell 12-year-old boys that having sex is okay as long as you put on a Hotshot, and they’ll run out looking “for 12-year-old (or God forbid, younger) girls to test them out on.”

The idea of extra-small condoms is disturbing … but smart: “As much as the idea of a 12-year-old having sex makes me uncomfortable,” says Ronda Kaysen, “I think this is great. Kids are having sex whether we like it or not,” so making a condom they can actually use is a necessary part of any effort to protect them from sexually transmitted disease and unwanted pregnancy.

Technology isn’t the answer: Getting engineers to design a “training-wheel condoms” won’t solve the tween sex problem, says Rod Dreher. In fact, when you have enough sexually active 12-year-old boys to “economically justify the manufacture of training-wheel condoms,” your society’s troubles probably run “far deeper” than you think.
___

Aerial of The Black Intel says:

We have to teach safe sex somehow. Just because we are not talking to the kids doesn’t mean they aren’t doing it. How old were you when you first started having sex? Come on, be honest. Not the age you tell your aunt or your sex partner… the REAL number. Ok now subtract five years from that and that is the average age kids these days are having their first sexual encounter. Protecting THEM helps to protect US… think about it.

A hood similar to those worm by these Ku Klux Klansmen was found in a prominent place at University of California San Diego

From the new york daily news

SAN DIEGO – University of California San Diego police were investigating a KKK-style hood that was placed on a statue outside the main campus library.

The incident was the third targeting black students at UC San Diego in as many weeks. The other incidents were a “Compton Cookout” party that mocked Black History month and a noose in a library.

A university statement said the hood was found about 11 p.m. Monday. The object appeared to be a white pillowcase that had been crudely fashioned into a hood with a hand-drawn symbol. A rose had also been inserted into the statue’s fingers.

The university said an aggressive investigation was under way, including fingerprint and DNA analysis, and vowed to punish the culprits to the fullest extent of the law.

University officials also said a student admitted she and two other people were responsible for hanging the noose. A statement did not identify the students or their race or include a motive.

In a news conference Friday, Chancellor Marye Anne Fox said the student has been suspended but declined to discuss her motive or other students involved.

“This person admitted her involvement in what we consider to be an abhorrent act,” Fox said.

UC and campus authorities did not indicate whether the students would be charged with a hate crime. Under state law, hanging a noose to terrorize is punishable by up to a year in jail.

Hundreds of students rallied for several hours outside the university administration building Friday, where speakers denounced the noose as an example of intolerance on a campus where less than 2 percent of students are black.

The school — where about 2 percent students are black — has been in turmoil over an off-campus “Compton Cookout” party organized by some students that urged people to dress as ghetto stereotypes and promised there would be chicken, watermelon and malt liquor.

Fox condemned the party, and the school began an investigation to determine if any students might face discipline. The school also initiated a campus-wide “Battle Hate” campaign.
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2010/03/02/2010-03-02_kkkstyle_hood_found_on_statue_at_college_campus_as_cops_probe_third_racist_incid.html#ixzz0h5dWjmVZ

Well found this on the starkreports.com… I’m at a lost for words here…This has been one hell of a Black History Month…. I wonder what is going to happen during International Women’s Month… a congressional bill that states women need to fulfill household duties..

From the San Francisco Chronicle

Last weekend, UC San Diego was the site of an off-campus party held that mocked Black History Month. The Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity was pointed to as the organization that held the party, but its president says that’s not the case.

California Assembly Speaker Karen Bass called for an investigation and issued a video statement: (Seen above)

In the video, Bass said “It seems as though every single year this situation happens.” That, in itself, is a chilling report on the state of race relations on California’s college campuses.

At the party, called “Compton Cookout” women were given these instructions:

“Ghetto chicks have a very limited vocabulary, and attempt to make up for it, by forming new words, such as ‘constipulated’, or simply cursing persistently, or using other types of vulgarities, and making noises, such as ‘hmmg!’, or smacking their lips, and making other angry noises, grunts, and faces.”

Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity President Garron Engstrom released this statement:

The UCSD chapter of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity denies any association with the controversial “Compton Cookout” party held by a “group of [UCSD] students”, identified by the University. Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) strongly condemns such actions and prejudices as the fraternity prides itself of representing a diverse cross-section of the UCSD student body.

This party was not a Pike event, nor was it endorsed by the fraternity. The fraternity regrets the display of ignorance and error-of-judgment made by any individual members who may have attended or were associated via social-media with the racially-offensive party. These actions are in direct violation of Pike’s code of conduct, and appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken with such members.

While Pi Kappa Alpha accepts no direct involvement in the planning of this party, the fraternity encourages all in attendance to reach out to the African American community, as well as the UCSD community at large, with a sincere and effective reconciliation program. Such a program will be focused toward the education and individual growth of the chapter members relating to cultural awareness at UCSD.

The Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity at UCSD has proudly represented the ideals of diversity, scholarship, leadership, athletics and gentlemanly conduct on the UCSD campus since 1997.

Garron Engstrom

President, Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – UCSD Chapter

This is the statement issued by UCSD Chancellor Marye Anne Fox:

OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR

OFFICE OF THE VICE CHANCELLOR – STUDENT AFFAIRS

February 16, 2010

ALL ACADEMICS AND STAFF AT UCSD ALL STUDENTS AT UCSD SUBJECT: Condemnation of Off-Campus Party and Affirmation of Principles of Community

We were distressed to learn that over the weekend an offensively themed student party, mocking the commemoration of Black History Month, took place off campus. We strongly condemn this event and the blatant disregard of our campus values. Although the party was not a UC San Diego student-organization sponsored event, participants did include UC San Diego students and that causes us great concern.

As stated in our Principles of Community, http://blink.ucsd.edu/HR/policies/POC/principles-of-community.html, we reject acts of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, and political beliefs, and, we will confront and appropriately respond to such acts. We reaffirm our Principles of Community http://blink.ucsd.edu/HR/policies/POC/principles-of-community.html and encourage the campus to join us in our affirmation.

In addition, we invite students, staff and faculty to participate in a teach-in from noon to 2 p.m. on February 24 in the Price Center East Ballroom to explore how such incidents continue to occur today and to discuss the importance of mutual respect and civility on our campus.

Marye Anne Fox

Chancellor

Penny Rue

Vice Chancellor – Student Affairs

From the WPIX website….

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh police Chief Nate Harper said three plainclothes officers have been reassigned during an internal investigation into the beating of an 18-year-old student violinist from the city’s Creative and Performing Arts High School.

Check out the video

Police charged Jordan Miles, 18, with assault and resisting arrest Jan. 11 because, they said, he fought with the officers who thought a “heavy object” in his coat was a gun. It turned out to be a bottle of Mountain Dew.Miles said he resisted because he thought the men were trying to abduct him and didn’t identify themselves as police. Miles’ family and attorney said he was hit with a stun gun and hospitalized after the violent Homewood struggle during which a chunk of his hair was yanked out and a tree branch went through his gums.”I was accused for something I never had anything to do with,” said Miles, an honor student at CAPA. “I was completely innocent. They couldn’t find anything.”

Police took Miles to a Pittsburgh hospital for treatment. The student said he had to go back after he was released from custody.”I want my son’s life restored, that’s all,” said Miles’ mother, Terez Miles. “I just want his life to go back to the way that it was before.”City officials are conducting a full investigation, spokeswoman Diane Richard told Channel 11 News.Reportedly the officers identified themselves as police. According to officials, the officers have been moved from plain clothes detail to uniformed duty.