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Wise Women Won't Wait Any More
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Your Choice - A Woman's Right to Choose Democrat or Joe Barton
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Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Thanksgiving Message from Maria Luisa Alvarado, Candidate for Tx Lt. Gov 2014
Happy Thanksgiving
As the gathering for Thanksgiving Day arrives, I am writing to wish you and your family a fond day of reflection on all of God's blessings, visible in the good and unrevealed in the not so good.
Know that I join you in your thanksgiving as you remember those that are not able to be with their families this holiday: Those that are in distant lands and ocean shores, protecting our country in the armed forces and civilian foreign service.
Also, I join you in giving thanks for those working here at home in law enforcement, first-responders, hospitals, nursing homes, and homeless shelters.Finally, I ask that you join me in giving thanks for the American spirit in which I find optimism that our tomorrows are still full of potential for us as a people that has overcome two world wars, a great depression, recent difficult economic times, attacks on our homeland, political gridlock, and social change.Peace in every language. ~ Maria Luisa Alvarado
Thanksgiving Message from Maria Luisa Alvarado, Candidate for Tx Lt. Gov. 2014
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Books We Recommend:
The Secretary: A Journey with Hillary Clinton From Beirut to the Heart of American Power by Kim Ghattas
Review by Faith Chatham - Nov. 1, 2013BBC foreign correspondent Kim Ghattas had unparalleled access to Clinton and her entourage
This book was a fascinating "read". I found it difficult to focus on other "tasks" once I began reading Kim Ghattas' journey as BBC foreign correspondent assigned to cover U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. A child who grew up in Beirut, who experienced war first-hand, and who saw the impact of the foreign policies of the Big Powers in the East/West power plays, Ghattas's viewpoint of America foreign policy was not an "insiders'" perspective. Given almost around-the-clock access to Secretary Clinton and her entourage during frequent multi-country diplomatic missions, Ghattas grew to understand the limitations of American political influence. Unlike many books about political figures, this one is not written by a supporter or a detractor. Ghattas writes neither to promote nor to vilify Secretary Clinton. She does strive to understand both America, the American system and international diplomacy and Secretary Clinton. Ghattas' book fills in many of the behind-the-scenes realities of key diplomatic events which were not covered or were slanted by news coverage during Clinton's term as Secretary of State.
Women Who Don't Wait in Line: Break the Mold, Lead the Way by Reshma Saujani
Review by Faith Chatham - Nov. 1, 2013
New York political activist and community organizer, Reshma Saujani addresses women in the workplace, in community leadership, and in the political arena. Her message goes straight to the mind of any woman whose confidence does not match her aspiration.
Saujani's urges women not to wait in line, not to be deterred by those who insist that one must "pay her dues" to the establishment before declaring candidacy for public office or applying for a promotion. She writes about the strength which comes from failure and the opportunity which can be seized through grabbing jobs which are "two steps" beyond your current qualifications. This is a thin volume which is packed full or concrete examples and triggers for introspective evaluation. She undresses how we are conditioned and points her readers toward action.
She inspires women to be unapologetically ambition, and recommends applying for positions which are "two steps higher" than your qualifications. This book makes a great gift for a woman who is serious in pursuing a career path which fulfills the dreams of her heart, and utilizes her skills and talents.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Wise Women Won't Wait Any More Blog Rejuvenation
By Faith Chatham - Arlington, TX - Oct. 15, 2013
Wise Women Won' t Wait Any More is coming back to life. There are hopeful signs on the horizon for women in Texas and in the USA. The majority male "leadership" of the U.S. Congress and of the Texas Legislature and Texas and U.S. Senate has dominated the domestic scene. Habitually ignoring women, the failure to address the priorities of families, workers, business owners and investors, of educators, parents, neighborhoods and communities may result in serious changes in the structure of state and national legislative bodies. Strong women are emerging - claiming key places in the national dialogue and on the political scene in Texas and the United States of America. Wise Women Won't Wait Any More will be here to celebrate the journey.
Women figure prominently in 2014 campaigns.
State Senator Wendy Davis has captured the attention of the nation. Challengers usually have trouble getting press coverage but that is not a problem currently for Sen. Davis. Prior to her announcement of her candidacy for Governor, Senator Davis was the keynote speaker for the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Davis appears to many to be a true champion for positive change in Texas. On the Republican side, the strongest contender appears to be Attorney General Greg Abbott's. Abbott's strength lies in his war chest, accrued during his long tenure as Texas's Attorney General. His record in office may prove to be his strongest negative. Fighting U.S. policies on immigration reform will not strengthen his position with the fastest growing segment of Texas voters. Acting as the attorney fighting the US Government on implementation of the Affordable Care Act, Abbott stood with Gov. Rick Perry in preventing the expansion of Medicaid in Texas. Texas's refusal of Federal dollars to expand Medicaid resulting in Texan tax dollars going to pay for expansion of Medicaid service in other states while Texas residents were denied the benefit. A Dallas Morning News report says that Texas's refusal to accept Medicaid Expansion is expected to cost Texas. The Dallas Morning News reported that according to a study by nonprofit research organization Rand Corp. the failure of Texas to accept the Medicaid expansion is expected to cause private health insurance premiums to rise 9.3%.
Lt. Governor's Race: There are "rumblings" that State Senator Letissa Van De Putte may jump in that race for Lt. Governor. However, at this time, we know that there is one strong Democratic woman already running. Maria Luisa Alvarado won the contested primary for Lt. Governor in 2006 and continues her quest to serve as Lt. Governor of Texas. A grassroots populist candidate, Alvarado won a highly contested Democratic primary in 2006 for Lt. Governor by energizing enough voters in the counties she carried to defeat her opponent who carried most of the state. She continues with her quest to energize the 10 million Texans who do not vote. In the Air Force, Alvarado was frequently cited as the "first woman to" serve in various capacities. From a large family of educators and U.S. Military Veterans, Alvarado returned to civilian life in a state that excluded more citizens from the American dream. Watching the self-serving patterns of elected officials which damaged rather than enhanced quality of life for "hard-working ordinary Texas citizens", Alvarado began talking to Texans and placing herself forward as an improvement to the status quo in Texas Legislative politics. We are certain, that women members of the Texas Senate will not be marginalized by Senator leadership should either of these strong Texas women be elected as Lt. Governor of Texas.
On the Federal scene, despite her not having declared her candidacy, Hillary Rodham Clinton, is viewed by many to be the strongest Democratic contender for the Presidency in 2016. Since leaving the State Department, she has continued to travel internationally as a speaker. This past week she was awarded Great Britain's highest award for International Leadership, the Chatham House Prize.
Wise Women Won' t Wait Any More is coming back to life. There are hopeful signs on the horizon for women in Texas and in the USA. The majority male "leadership" of the U.S. Congress and of the Texas Legislature and Texas and U.S. Senate has dominated the domestic scene. Habitually ignoring women, the failure to address the priorities of families, workers, business owners and investors, of educators, parents, neighborhoods and communities may result in serious changes in the structure of state and national legislative bodies. Strong women are emerging - claiming key places in the national dialogue and on the political scene in Texas and the United States of America. Wise Women Won't Wait Any More will be here to celebrate the journey.
Women figure prominently in 2014 campaigns.
State Senator Wendy Davis has captured the attention of the nation. Challengers usually have trouble getting press coverage but that is not a problem currently for Sen. Davis. Prior to her announcement of her candidacy for Governor, Senator Davis was the keynote speaker for the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Davis appears to many to be a true champion for positive change in Texas. On the Republican side, the strongest contender appears to be Attorney General Greg Abbott's. Abbott's strength lies in his war chest, accrued during his long tenure as Texas's Attorney General. His record in office may prove to be his strongest negative. Fighting U.S. policies on immigration reform will not strengthen his position with the fastest growing segment of Texas voters. Acting as the attorney fighting the US Government on implementation of the Affordable Care Act, Abbott stood with Gov. Rick Perry in preventing the expansion of Medicaid in Texas. Texas's refusal of Federal dollars to expand Medicaid resulting in Texan tax dollars going to pay for expansion of Medicaid service in other states while Texas residents were denied the benefit. A Dallas Morning News report says that Texas's refusal to accept Medicaid Expansion is expected to cost Texas. The Dallas Morning News reported that according to a study by nonprofit research organization Rand Corp. the failure of Texas to accept the Medicaid expansion is expected to cause private health insurance premiums to rise 9.3%.
Lt. Governor's Race: There are "rumblings" that State Senator Letissa Van De Putte may jump in that race for Lt. Governor. However, at this time, we know that there is one strong Democratic woman already running. Maria Luisa Alvarado won the contested primary for Lt. Governor in 2006 and continues her quest to serve as Lt. Governor of Texas. A grassroots populist candidate, Alvarado won a highly contested Democratic primary in 2006 for Lt. Governor by energizing enough voters in the counties she carried to defeat her opponent who carried most of the state. She continues with her quest to energize the 10 million Texans who do not vote. In the Air Force, Alvarado was frequently cited as the "first woman to" serve in various capacities. From a large family of educators and U.S. Military Veterans, Alvarado returned to civilian life in a state that excluded more citizens from the American dream. Watching the self-serving patterns of elected officials which damaged rather than enhanced quality of life for "hard-working ordinary Texas citizens", Alvarado began talking to Texans and placing herself forward as an improvement to the status quo in Texas Legislative politics. We are certain, that women members of the Texas Senate will not be marginalized by Senator leadership should either of these strong Texas women be elected as Lt. Governor of Texas.
On the Federal scene, despite her not having declared her candidacy, Hillary Rodham Clinton, is viewed by many to be the strongest Democratic contender for the Presidency in 2016. Since leaving the State Department, she has continued to travel internationally as a speaker. This past week she was awarded Great Britain's highest award for International Leadership, the Chatham House Prize.
Tarrant County Democratic Party Elects Woman of Achievement As Interim Democratic County Chair
 |
Deborah Whitlock Peoples, new Tarrant County
Democratic Chair with out-going County Chair, Steven
Maxwell.
|
In a highly contested five candidate special election, April 20th, retired Vice-President-General Manager Dallas-Fort Worth Market AT&T, Deborah Whitlock Peoples was elected to fill the unexpired term of Steven Maxwell as County Chair of the Tarrant County Democratic Party.
Ms. Peoples, sister of Fort Worth Democratic political activist Mary Ellen Hicks and aunt of former Fort Worth City Council Member and candidate for U.S. Congressional District 33 Kathleen Hicks, has political activism in her D.N.A.
http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/02/16/4626101/tarrant-county-democrats-prepare.html
Hillary Rodham Clinton Named 2013 Chatham House Prize
Message from Her Majesty The Queen, Patron of The Royal Institute of International Affairs
'I warmly congratulate Hillary Clinton on being awarded this year’s Chatham House Prize for her accomplishments as Secretary of State, which build on a long and impressive commitment to working in the service of the public. Members of The Royal Institute of International Affairs have again chosen a worthy winner of this award.'
Winner 2013 - Hillary Rodham Clinton
Hillary Clinton has been awarded this year’s Chatham House Prize in recognition of her significant and impressive contribution to international diplomacy as US Secretary of State and her work on behalf of gender equality and opportunities for women and girls.
During her tenure at the State Department, Hillary Clinton decisively drove a new era in US diplomatic engagement. She was instrumental in re-orientating the strategic focus of the United States towards the Asia-Pacific region. She was successful both in multilateral diplomacy − helping to develop new international frameworks, such as the Global Counterterrorism Forum and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition – and in bilateral negotiations, brokering an agreement between Turkey and Armenia to reopen their border and negotiating a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel.
Her creation and implementation of the Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review (QDDR) made a bold comment on the importance of comprehensive diplomacy and 'civilian power'. Her understanding and use of public diplomacy demonstrated that values and ideas must be promoted through two-way dialogue, especially in the age of social media.
Secretary Clinton was equally able to tackle acute challenges in international affairs and to call on the necessary skills and tools when needed. Working in partnership with key allies in both the UN and NATO to protect civilians in Libya in 2011 was a prime example.
Secretary Clinton used her personal standing and visibility as a campaigner on the global stage to support educational and economic opportunities for women and girls. She incorporated more women into peace-building initiatives at the UN, and at the State Department she created the position of ambassador-at-large for global women's issues.
She led a global campaign for efficient, modern cooking stoves, helping to reduce the 1.9 million premature deaths per year from smoke inhalation on open cooking fires, predominantly among women in developing countries. Her work to integrate women’s rights with broader development goals backed up her long-held belief that 'it is no longer acceptable to discuss women's rights as separate from human rights'.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Celebrating Roy LaVerne Brooks - "She was about Truth to Power"
Roy's "footprint" stretches far beyond her beloved Fort Worth, Texas. She was always a leader. Her incredible work ethic, people focused communication, and passion for seizing opportunities for improving the lives of everybody propelled her into leadership as a young person. While in college she was elected to her first state-wide political office: First Vice President of the Young Democrats of Texas. She went to work as liaison to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the Honorable Jim Wright. After he left office, she continued serving the community as Education Director for the Mental Health Association, as Chaplain at local hospitals and hospices, in the Greater Fort Worth Women’s Club, the League of Women Voters, N.A.A.C.P. and numerous counseling and ministerial organizations and in local, state and national Democratic Party leadership.
The daughter of LeRoy and Artelia Wilson, and sister to Ruby and LeRoy Wilson Jr., enrolled in Prairie View A&M where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work after she graduated from Como High School. She earned her Master's in Divinity from Southwestern Theological Seminary. Some of her other post-graduate study was at UTA's Urban Institute, The Potter's House Center of Counseling and Behavioral Health and the Campaign School at Yale University. As an educator with the Fort Worth I.S.D., she inspired colleagues and young people. Roy was consistent in private and in public to her values. Roy believed that knowledge is vital to being able to serve effectively. Her commitment to education was reflected at home: Roy LaVerne was a life-long learner who was always improving her professional skills. Her only son (Troy Brooks) also graduated from Prairie View A&M. Troy has gone on to earn his Masters in Engineering and Mathematics at the University of Houston and his PhD in Leadership Studies from Our Lady of the Lake University!
People who consider their their mentor ranges from teenagers to people in their sixties, from high school and college students to individuals who have been elected to public office and have served for years. It includes people of many ethnicity's.
Roy was proud of her Black heritage and cherished the freedoms and opportunities her generation enjoyed which were not available to her parents and their parents. She worked hard to be as good as she possibly could be because she knew that what she did and how she did it would either make it easier or more difficult for others in the future. She was honored with the Legislative Black Caucus Award in 1993 and is listed in Who's Who in American Politics.
She saw people as people and did not get enmeshed in stereotypes which creates or perpetuates barriers. When it came to friendship, fairness, and serving with
people, Roy was color-blind.
She has earned the respect of people and been recognized by organizations through out Fort Worth, the State of Texas and the United States. Roy LaVerne was named Fort Worth Woman of the Year, was inducted into the Texas Hall of Fame, served as a member of E.L.A.N.A, the Honorary Steering Committee for the United States Presidential election campaign, was elected Democratic Committee Woman for Texas Senatorial District 12 and as Vice Chair of the Texas Democratic Party. She was a delegate to the Democratic Conventions from 1996-2008 and served on Rules, Nominations and Resolutions Committees.
She has earned the respect of people and been recognized by organizations through out Fort Worth, the State of Texas and the United States. Roy LaVerne was named Fort Worth Woman of the Year, was inducted into the Texas Hall of Fame, served as a member of E.L.A.N.A, the Honorary Steering Committee for the United States Presidential election campaign, was elected Democratic Committee Woman for Texas Senatorial District 12 and as Vice Chair of the Texas Democratic Party. She was a delegate to the Democratic Conventions from 1996-2008 and served on Rules, Nominations and Resolutions Committees.
In Civic Service, Roy was Chair of the Mobility Impaired Transportation Service (M.I.T.S.A.C) and served 9 years on their board. She also served as Vice-Chair on the Board of Directors of the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (a.k.a. "The T") and 2 terms as an Advisory Member of HER-PLACE at All Saints Hospital, Fort Worth.
These are just
a few of the things which reflect are some of the footprints of
her life. Her life was so full of service that she lost track of where
she'd been and what she'd done, but the impact she had on people as she
encountered us one-on-one lives on.
Roy LaVerne wanted her life to be bigger news than her death. As a tribute to her, some of Roy's friends began making micro loans through KIVA this week in her honor. I know of at least 80 people (mostly women) who have received loans to help them expand their businesses, improve their homes, educate their children in honor of Roy. They live all over the world. Some are in Senegal, W. Africa. Others live in Kenya, the Philippines, Peru, Guatemala, Ecuador and other parts of the world.
Roy LaVerne wanted her life to be bigger news than her death. As a tribute to her, some of Roy's friends began making micro loans through KIVA this week in her honor. I know of at least 80 people (mostly women) who have received loans to help them expand their businesses, improve their homes, educate their children in honor of Roy. They live all over the world. Some are in Senegal, W. Africa. Others live in Kenya, the Philippines, Peru, Guatemala, Ecuador and other parts of the world.
Roy's footprint lives on in the lives of her son, Troy, and her three precious grandchildren, Jayden, JaKobe and Jordon. It also resonates among those of us who witnessed her stand firm for the right
to be on the ballot and let the voters decided who would be elected to public office.
In 2008 she defied pressure
from the campaign of the African American front-runner for President of the
United States by refusing to withdraw as a candidate for Chair of the Texas
Democratic Party in "the name of party unity" instead of allowing the
delegates to decide who would be the Chair of the Texas Democratic Party. Instead of remaining silent when "they could not find
her convention credentials" when employees of her opponent refused to admit Roy (a legally elected delegate and the current Vice Chair of the Texas Democratic Party) to the 2008 Texas Democratic Convention, claiming they "could not find her credentials". Roy went public. Her "mysteriously missing" credentials appeared when a television crew arrived to interview her about what was "going on." She did not believe that any presidential campaign should determine who ran for state party offices. She believed that convention delegates should decide who would lead the party and that elected offices should not be awarded through back-room agreements. She resisted suggestions from from Presidential National Campaign Staffers, from Senators and from the future Commerce Secretary Ron Kirk, alerting her that to the consequences, lose out on being a Delegate to the National Democratic Convention if she didn't withdraw from the State Chair's Race. down for "party unity." Roy's sense of
what was right and what was rotten propelled her to stand firm long after most
other people would have caved and cratered.
I had heard of Roy LaVerne Brooks, but I did not know Roy going into the 2008 Texas Democratic Convention. I saw Roy LaVerne Brooks denied her convention credentials for hours after delegates were on the floor. I could tell something "peculiar" was going on when the cell phones of the Tarrant County Obama delegates around me lit up with text messages from their floor leaders instructing them to vote for Boyd Ritchie for State Democratic Chair! I watched Tarrant County Obama delegates get text messages from their floor leaders telling them to vote the status quo, vote Boyd Ritchie for State Chair.Why would Black Tarrant County convention delegates vote against one of their own unless there had been a deal cut? I had served on the steering committees of several State Wide Democratic candidates and knew the culture of attempted intimidation they had encountered. I watched Roy and saw her fight for a fair, transparent electoral process. She didn't flinch. She faced them down. She was not elected State Chair but she impressed me! Seeing her example that week was the beginning of one of the most trans formative friendships of my life.
I had heard of Roy LaVerne Brooks, but I did not know Roy going into the 2008 Texas Democratic Convention. I saw Roy LaVerne Brooks denied her convention credentials for hours after delegates were on the floor. I could tell something "peculiar" was going on when the cell phones of the Tarrant County Obama delegates around me lit up with text messages from their floor leaders instructing them to vote for Boyd Ritchie for State Democratic Chair! I watched Tarrant County Obama delegates get text messages from their floor leaders telling them to vote the status quo, vote Boyd Ritchie for State Chair.Why would Black Tarrant County convention delegates vote against one of their own unless there had been a deal cut? I had served on the steering committees of several State Wide Democratic candidates and knew the culture of attempted intimidation they had encountered. I watched Roy and saw her fight for a fair, transparent electoral process. She didn't flinch. She faced them down. She was not elected State Chair but she impressed me! Seeing her example that week was the beginning of one of the most trans formative friendships of my life.
In 2010 Roy declared her for candidacy for Justice of the Peace in Tarrant County.
The incumbent was (is) a Republican whose record has been less than exemplary.
Another Democrat, a wealthy former Savings and Loan Chairman of the Board and Chief Financial Officer decided that he deserved to run in the primary unopposed
because he has given money to powerful Democratic candidates and sponsored
fund-raisers for area Democratic Clubs. His supporters "encouraged her not to run." She refused
and said that the American process is one in which the voters are supposed to
be allowed to decide who will be the party's candidate in November. She
resisted back room deals when it comes to deciding who will be on the ballot.
She had collected more than enough signatures on her petition, however, her
opponent, Mr. Dick Abrams (who is currently a candidate for Chair of the
Tarrant County Democratic Party) challenged Roy and the Tarrant County
Democratic Party in District Court. During an election cycle, Dick Abrams sued
a fellow Democrat and the local Democratic Party in the court room of a
Republican judge! He drained her of valuable limited campaign resources and
time during the last weeks of the primary. Despite his deep pockets and her modest means,
she beat him in court. The Judge dismissed the
case and told him not to file it again. The voters chose her to be the Democratic Nominee for Justice of the Peace. Democrats did not win that
J.P. seat in November. However, LaVerne Brooks defended the American
electoral process. She stood firm, knowing that the right to vote and the right to be on the ballot are sacred trusts which shouldn't be abandoned despite attempts by self-appointed power-brokers who attempt to perpetuate back-room anointing instead of fairly contested elections! I hope her grandchildren come to understand how brave she was. Even when she didn't win the office, she wasn't defeated if the process was preserved for future fair elections. She preserved our civil rights by refusing to be intimidated by the campaign insiders of a Presidential Candidate whom she wanted to be President or by a wealthy political donor/bundler who believed that his pocket book entitled him to force other Democrats off
the ballot before the voters had opportunity to choose their party’s nominee
during the Democratic Primary.
Rights don't mean much if you are scared off or intimidated into not exercising them! Roy showed people that winning the office is not always the only triumph. How you campaign, what you
say, what you stand for, who you inspire, and what you refuse to allow to
happen can also be your legacy!
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