Just saw on my local news that two Muslim students were suspended for wearing a keffiyeh - traditional Palestinian head wear for men - today.

They were suspended because a Jewish student claimed it represents terrorism and claimed they were supporting terrorists by wearing it.

Previously, another Jewish student wrote an article about highlighting the ills of Palestine on Israel.

The mother of the students, who done hijab, will be speaking with the principal tomorrow to resolve the issue.

I think the issue here is one of free speech.  One of the boys did wear a t-shirt that said "RIP Israel" but acknowledged that was wrong.  That still does not impede them from wearing an article from their Muslim background.

Still, I have issue with people wearing keffiyeh without knowing the symbolism behind it. (Think Rachel Ray!)

I think these boys did, however harbored no malice.  They need to be reinstated immediately!

***UPDATE*** Here's the link to the broadcast -> http://kdka.com/school/Muslim.students.scarves.2.937591.html (Damn you Myspace, post it!)

Good News Update - The parents met with the principal and the students can return to school AND wear their keffiyehs.

http://kdka.com/local/scarves.Muslim.Gateway.2.937874.html

Let's all hope that is the end of this controversy!

Myspace can sometimes be a pain!!!

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Looking for loc stylist in the Greater Pittsburgh area willing to do mini locs.

Contact me at Candice L. Mason {at} solutionsnowgroup. org if interested.

Here's a response that I've just responded to a friend asking if racism is over now we have an African American President...

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Personally, I've BEEN focusing more on reparations, stopping gentrification and helping our people in the here and now than been too worried or consumed with "racism" - overt or otherwise.  It's time for us to live up to the King/Obama standards and not judge ourselves by the color of our skin, but by the content of our character.

P-R-E-S-I-D-E-N-T Obama showed me true character in the face of the McCain/Palin mudslinging and I, for one, have not seen character like that in my lifetime.  I applaud him for taking the higher road and showing us how - and making us BELIEVE - that we can all be better.

A new chapter in American history has begun and it's time for all of us to move ahead with it.  So let us ALL throw off our shackles and pave at the groundwork that has been laid for a better tomorrow.

Made in America, with African parts!

***This blog originally was posted on October 24, 2008***

Tim Robbins just spread some good information about voting - NOW until November 4, 2008 - He said:

1. Vote now!  Early voting can distract from any discrimination.
2. Document any voter discrimination on November 4th.  Volunteer to document claims of discrimination.
3. Refuse provisional ballots if something goes wrong - They throw them out!
4. There may be those to strong-arm voters at polling places...KNOW YOUR RIGHTS and civilly confront the detractors - after you vote!!!  ;-)

...and I'd like to add...

5. Make sure you PRESS "Obama" or "McCain" when voting straight Party.  You have to vote for President in order to have your vote count.

Allen Raymond's Book How To Rig an Election was to topic on Real Time with Bill Maher.  Seems to be a good book to put on your reading list (before the election).

I hope this has made you richer.

Looking for Section 8 housing in Phoenix, AZ beginning (most likely) early '09.

Hit me up at phoenixhousingleads@solutionsnowgroup.org if you have leads...(I'm moving from Pittsburgh, PA and need a large one bedroom and access to public transportation.)

Any help is welcomed.