Joshua Johns
Race Matters in 2011
1. Where are the battle lines being drawn in the Civil Rights struggle today?
The battle lines being drawn in the Civil Rights struggle today are not
between white and black people, but between those who are gay, those
who need health care, and those still don’t have the rights they feel they
deserve. Everyone has the same rights, no matter what race, religion, or
beliefs, we all have the same rights as our neighbors whether black or
white, Jewish or Catholic; unlike the times of Malcolm X. Today the Civil
Rights struggle is more between
2. What are the primary issues that are causing concern? The primary issues
that are causing concern are health care, hate crimes, “Don’t ask don’t
tell”, pay discrimination, gay couples and families getting the attention they
deserve.
3. Who is doing something about it? President Barack Obama is enforcing
laws and approving acts to improve the U.S., to make sure that his people
are safe.
4. What are the primary issues being addressed on a national level in the
U.S. today in terms of race? President Obama Signed the Claims
Resolution Act of 2010 providing funding and statutory authorities for the
settlement agreements reached in the Cobell lawsuit, brought by Native
Americans; the Pigford II lawsuit, brought by African American farmers;
and four separate water rights suits, brought by Native American tribes.
5. What sort of political/social dialogue is taking place? There are press
conferences by people in the political field, letting their people know that
their concerns are being heard. The people are making their voices heard
by holding debates, or even protesting.
Joshua Johns
6. Who is driving the discussion? Whoever has a concern is driving the
discussion. People with political power, and people who have a concern.