Monday, November 29, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
PLBC members congratulate Michael Vick on his rise to number one quarterback
HARRISBURG, Nov. 23 – Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus chairman, state Rep. Ronald G. Waters, Delaware/Phila., said caucus members commend Philadelphia Eagles player Michael Vick for his rise to the top ranked quarterback in the NFL. This comes weeks after the caucus publicly supported the Philadelphia Eagles decision to make Vick their starting quarterback in spite of his previous involvement with a dog fighting operation.
“Michael Vick is now the number one quarterback, and the only starting quarterback who hasn’t thrown an interception,” Waters said. “A few weeks ago I spoke about the time to forgive, and a man who had made such great strides to win back his credibility. Now he outdid himself and went from number three to number one among starting quarterbacks. We should all be proud.”
In 2001, Vick rose to fame when he became the first African American quarterback to be selected as the first overall pick in the NFL draft. He enjoyed a successful career with the Atlanta Falcons for six seasons until he was convicted of running an illegal dog fighting operation out of his home and released from his position. He had to serve 18 months in prison.
Vick has been allowed back on the playing field and was recently named the starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles.
PLBC member, Sen. Shirley Kitchen, D-Phila., said there is a time to forgive and give a person a second chance.
"Michael Vick is a perfect example of what people can get from a second chance. More people are benefiting through jobs and general support based on Vick’s second chance.”
Waters also said forgiveness can be expressed verbally or through action.
“Actions speak louder than words and money talks,” Waters said after he watched a recent game at a sports lounge in Philadelphia. Waters also said he saw various crowds of people cheer and eagerly display their support of Vick in his new role.
Waters said the NFL should express their forgiveness through justly compensating Vick for the moral boost he has brought to the NFL and the Philadelphia Eagles organization.
“According to statistics, Vick ranks number one in terms of starting quarterbacks throughout the league, but ranks last in salary in this same position,” Waters said.
“I look forward to when the Eagles organization will compensate Michael Vick, this talented football player, for the value he brings to the game and this professional sport,” Waters said.
State Rep. Tony Payton, D-Phila., another PLBC member, said “The story of Michael Vick is one of redemption. He has paid his debt to society and should be able to play football at the highest level as his talent demands.”
Waters posed the question and asked, "When is it time to forgive?"
“We must support Michael Vick as he continues to excel on and off the field through his demonstrated talent and community outreach efforts. Through community outreach, Vick is clearly demonstrating people can change. Can we change? Can we change our opinions on how long we hold people accountable for their past mistakes?” Waters asked.
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“Michael Vick is now the number one quarterback, and the only starting quarterback who hasn’t thrown an interception,” Waters said. “A few weeks ago I spoke about the time to forgive, and a man who had made such great strides to win back his credibility. Now he outdid himself and went from number three to number one among starting quarterbacks. We should all be proud.”
In 2001, Vick rose to fame when he became the first African American quarterback to be selected as the first overall pick in the NFL draft. He enjoyed a successful career with the Atlanta Falcons for six seasons until he was convicted of running an illegal dog fighting operation out of his home and released from his position. He had to serve 18 months in prison.
Vick has been allowed back on the playing field and was recently named the starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles.
PLBC member, Sen. Shirley Kitchen, D-Phila., said there is a time to forgive and give a person a second chance.
"Michael Vick is a perfect example of what people can get from a second chance. More people are benefiting through jobs and general support based on Vick’s second chance.”
Waters also said forgiveness can be expressed verbally or through action.
“Actions speak louder than words and money talks,” Waters said after he watched a recent game at a sports lounge in Philadelphia. Waters also said he saw various crowds of people cheer and eagerly display their support of Vick in his new role.
Waters said the NFL should express their forgiveness through justly compensating Vick for the moral boost he has brought to the NFL and the Philadelphia Eagles organization.
“According to statistics, Vick ranks number one in terms of starting quarterbacks throughout the league, but ranks last in salary in this same position,” Waters said.
“I look forward to when the Eagles organization will compensate Michael Vick, this talented football player, for the value he brings to the game and this professional sport,” Waters said.
State Rep. Tony Payton, D-Phila., another PLBC member, said “The story of Michael Vick is one of redemption. He has paid his debt to society and should be able to play football at the highest level as his talent demands.”
Waters posed the question and asked, "When is it time to forgive?"
“We must support Michael Vick as he continues to excel on and off the field through his demonstrated talent and community outreach efforts. Through community outreach, Vick is clearly demonstrating people can change. Can we change? Can we change our opinions on how long we hold people accountable for their past mistakes?” Waters asked.
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Monday, November 22, 2010
State Rep. Robert Donatucci dies
On November 9, State Rep. Robert C. Donatucci, 58, died in his sleep in his South Philadelphia home. Donatucci received 84 percent of the vote the week earlier in the election for his 16th House term. PLBC Chair Ronald G. Waters and others reflected on his career.
Read more: Philadelphia Inquirer
Read more: Philadelphia Inquirer
PA House Votes For Lethal Force For Self-Protection
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives concurred with the Senate on a bill allowing lethal force in self-protection. The legislation was originally designed to close two loopholes regarding sex offenders under Megan's Law. However, the Senate included an amendment for the expansion of the “Castle Doctrine” regarding self-protection. The bill would expand the current law to permit the use of deadly force against the attacker outside of the home, and eliminate the duty to retreat.
Rep. Ron Waters questioned the constitutionality of the bill and whether it violates the same-subject clause requirement under the Pennsylvania Constitution. Rep. Cherelle Parker expressed concerns about the safety of police officers as a reason not to concur with the bill.
Read more: The Bulletin
Rep. Ron Waters questioned the constitutionality of the bill and whether it violates the same-subject clause requirement under the Pennsylvania Constitution. Rep. Cherelle Parker expressed concerns about the safety of police officers as a reason not to concur with the bill.
Read more: The Bulletin
Monday, November 15, 2010
Moore’s Friends express outrage - Community organizer brutally attacked in home
State Rep. Kenyatta Johnson, a PLBC member, held a press conference with PLBC Chair Ronlad G. Waters to address the outrage in Southwest and West Philadelphia over the home invasion and brutal beating of community organizer Marsha Moore.
Read more: Philadelphia Tribune
Read more: Philadelphia Tribune
Reward offered for leads in attack on Philly activist
PLBC Chairman Ron Waters joined Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and PLBC members State Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams and State Rep. Kenyatta Johnson in announcing an $11,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person who attacked Marsha Moore, a longtime community activist in Southwest Philadelphia.
Read more: Philadelphia Inquirer
Read more: Philadelphia Inquirer
Roadmap for Hospitals: Culturally Competent Patient Care
Published in DiversityInc.com. According to the Joint Commission, an independent nonprofit organization, hospitals and healthcare providers must make the necessary accommodations that are both respectful of and responsive to an increasingly diverse patient population. Click HERE for more.
West Phila. retail center to revitalize Lancaster Ave.
Published in the Philadelphia Tribune. PLBC member, State Rep. Louis Williams Bishop, was on hand at a recent groundbreaking of the Louise Williams Bishop Commercial Center, a $1.5 million, 6,000 square-foot retail development. Click HERE for more.
State probation & parole official for Philadelphia district had firsthand experience - as a fugitive, records show
From the November 12, 2010 Philadelphia Daily News. Rep. Waters weighs in on this issue. Click HERE for more.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Message from PLBC Chairman Ronald G. Waters on the election results
I was proud to see senior citizens coming to vote in their walkers and canes, assisted by friends, and parents who brought their children with them to cast their vote and introduce them to the process. In spite of how we may feel about the outcome of the election, and despite your views on the issues, this process known as democracy prevails. The real results for us of this outcome are yet to be seen. Of course as a Democrat and an elected official I will continue to deliver the best advocacy, services and community outreach in the best interests of the constituency I represent.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Sesame Street Loves Black Hair
The following is a new puppet on Sesame Street, a black girl who was created to encourage black children to love themselves and their hair. For children in the early stages of development, it plays an important role in their life to to see images on TV that look like a neighbor, family member or what they see when they look in the mirror. We congratulate the creator of this character, and support his efforts to make this character a regular part of the television program.
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