WI Web Staff
The Affordable Health Care Act means affordable health care for all Americans. The green light the law received last week from the U.S. Supreme Court finally puts Americans on the right path to becoming healthier regardless of income, race, gender or preexisting conditions. Now what can be so incredibly wrong about that?
Apparently many members of the Republican Party have huge problems with what they like to call Obamacare. It doesn't matter that millions of Americans will have health insurance, including young adults who will be covered by their parent's health insurance until age 26, Republicans are insistent that the law must be repealed.
But not all Republicans are casting darts at the measure which ranked among the top issues voters wanted Barack Obama to address if he won the presidency in 2008. Some voters have short memories of the plethora of testimonials by Americans who were suffering due to the lack of access and affordability of health care.
But many young Republicans are flexible enough to separate politics from sound public policy. The dilemma of conscience young Republicans say they are facing stems from a desire to stick with the party because of their belief that you always support the party, or do they go with their conscience which leans toward President Obama who seems to get it when it comes to the issues that impact the next generation.
Their view is that the Republican Party is engaged in a really stupid game of partisan politics which will make it difficult for them come November to vote the party line.
Many young Republicans are not sold on Mitt Romney, either. What they hear is a candidate who represents a party that speaks more about what President Obama has done wrong instead of what their party is proposing to do to address the issues of health care, jobs, immigration and education.
These voters will most likely go to the polls in November and very likely may support President Obama's re-election bid. If they do, they will still be Republicans and they may become the hope for their party's future.
Andy Griffith, the warm-hearted, common-sense sheriff of rural Mayberry, featured on the "Andy Griffith Show," has died. He was 86.
Revered as" America's favorite sheriff," the affable Griffith passed away early Tuesday at his home on Roanoke Island, Dare County, N.C., according to a statement from the sheriff's office.
"Andy Griffith passed away, after an illness ... Mr. Griffith has been laid to rest on his beloved Roanoke Island,"a statement from the actor's family conveyed.
Griffith's wife Cindi Griffith added that, "Andy was a person of incredibly strong Christian faith and was prepared for the day he would be called Home to his Lord."
Griffith's stellar career ranged from nightclub and radio appearances to movies and music. But it was his renowned role as a small-town sheriff on TV that endeared him to millions of Americans.
According to a CBS report, viewers tuned into "The Andy Griffith Show" which ran from 1960 to 1968, not to watch Sheriff Andy Taylor solve big crimes, but to watch him solve the little problems of life in the fictional Mayberry, N.C. Don Knotts played Deputy Barney Fife, and Jim Nabors portrayed Gomer Pyle, the gas pumper.
Although critics rated the weekly family-oriented show -- that also featured "Aunt Bea" -- number four among the top five sitcoms ever on TV, other reports state that, "The Andy Griffith Show" was one of only three series in history to end its run at the top of the ratings. "I Love Lucy" and "Seinfeld" also bowed out on top.
Griffith was born June 1, 1926, in the small town of Mt. Airy, N.C. He was brought up in the church where he sang and played slide trombone in the band at Grace Moravian Church. He got break an actor when he played the role of Sir Walter Raleigh in Paul Green's outdoor pageant, "The Lost Colony," in Manteo, N.C.
Griffith graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1949 with a degree in music, and years later in 1972, he began his own production company.
Griffith returned to TV in 1986, playing the lead role in "Matlock," a courtroom-based drama, which aired until 1995.
As of Tuesday, Pepco reports state that the number of residences and businesses that remain without power in the District has been reduced to about 20,000, compared to 40,000 two days ago -- and the initial 443,000 customers that were impacted after a violent storm ravaged the city and parts of nearby Maryland on Friday.
But Council member Mary Cheh, who contends that 20,000 customers in the dark is still too many, joins Mayor Vincent Gray in declaring it's time for Pepco to step up its game when major storms ravage the area.
An obviously frustrated Gray said in an interview Monday that it's not like storms of that magnitude have never hit the District before. To that end, he and Cheh have indicated Pepco has little excuse why it will be during the weekend when power to the rest of the city is fully restored.
However, with the intense heat expected to linger, going four more days without power has caused members of the D.C. Council's Public Services and Community Affairs Committee -- chaired by Ward 7 Council member Yvette Alexander -- to meet with Pepco officials to determine what's behind the delay restoring electricity and how a repeat scenario can be avoided.
"Instead of generalities, we would get specifics," Cheh was quoted as saying. Otherwise, she added, alluding to Pepco officials' veracity, "What alternative do we have other than to believe what they say?"
In comparison to Pepco, utility crews in neighboring locales like Northern Virginia and Baltimore, were quickly able to restore power to hundreds of thousands of customers.
For instance, Dominion Virginia Power, which worked feverishly to restore power to nearly 1 million customers on Friday night, had restored 86 percent by 10 a.m. Saturday, according to a report. The report further stated that on Tuesday, Baltimore Gas &Electric had repaired lines serving 527,000 out of about 680,000 affected customers.
DC Scores Receives New Toyota for After-School Program
Tuesday, 03 July 2012 20:02 Published in Local
DC SCORES named the first winner in Toyota's 2012 100 Cars for Good program
DC SCORES, which provides award-winning after-school programs for low-income youth in Washington, D.C., today received a brand new Toyota Sienna as part of the automaker's100 Cars for Good program. The Toyota 100 Cars for Good is a national philanthropic initiative which awards 100 cars to deserving nonprofit organizations with winners selected daily on Facebook for 100 days through August 21.
Joined by dozens of DC SCORES participants, Toyota Vice President Michael Rouse presented the keys to the new vehicle to DC SCORES Executive Director Amy Nakamoto at a press conference at the Marie Reed Elementary School in Washington, DC.
"There is a lack of after-school programs in the DC area and DC SCORES has stepped in to fill that need – offering kids the chance to participate in organized sports and arts programs," said Rouse. "Toyota is committed to being a community partner and is focused on supporting programs in ways that achieve long-term sustainable results. We hope this vehicle helps DC SCORES build upon the amazing work already established here in Washington."
Amy Nakamoto said, "We are extremely excited to be receiving a van from Toyota through the 100 Cars for Good program. Thanks to Toyota's generosity and service to our community, we will be able to provide and transport much-needed soccer and writing equipment to over 40 DC public schools who host a DC SCORES after-school program. This will increase our efficiency in using time, money and people to directly impact hundreds of DC students in the coming years. We are very grateful to be part of such a large and effective philanthropic initiative by Toyota."
DC SCORES was selected as a finalist out of thousands of applicants nationwide and chosen by online voters as this year's first winner. Their programs benefit more than 800 children at 27 schools across Washington, DC. The new Sienna minivan will support DC SCORES activities that promote physical activity and creativity throughout the city and will help facilitate the organization's expansion to 20 new schools in the District. DC SCORES detailed how they will use their new Toyota Sienna in a video, found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToOq2XrJ-Yc.
Toyota will profile five finalists each day at www.100carsforgood.com, where individual members of the public are invited to vote for the nonprofit they think can do the most good with a new vehicle. The nonprofit with the most votes at the end of each day wins one of six Toyota models. Runners-up each receive a $1,000 cash grant from Toyota. A six-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty will also be provided for each vehicle, compliments of Toyota Financial Services.
A memorial service will be held Friday, July 6 for Albert R. "Butch" Hopkins, who passed away last week at age 71.
At the time of his death on June 28, Hopkins -- a fourth generation Washingtonian -- was president and CEO of the Anacostia Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) where he had served since 1969. Hopkins, a graduate of Howard University where he also earned a law degree, was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. In May, the city designated the 1800 block Martin Luther King Avenue in Southeast as Butch Hopkins Way.
Ward 8 Council member Marion Barry, who issued a statement on Hopkins' passing, praised him a dear friend who will be sorely missed by the community.
"As the president and CEO of AEDC, as well as one of the founders of the Anacostia Coordinating Council, Butch Hopkins has been in the forefront of moving the Anacostia community forward for decades," said Barry. "His efforts have resulted in unsurpassed economic development, entrepreneurial opportunities and jobs that not only benefit Ward 8, but the city overall. Butch Hopkins was loved, admired and respected in the Anacostia community and throughout the city."
Hopkins is survived by his son, Mark Hopkins and his daughter Michelle Hopkins Lawrence, six grandchildren; and his sisters, Althea Holland and Barbara Hopkins.
A celebration of Hopkins' life will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday, July 5 at Joseph Gawler's Sons Funeral Home, 5130 Wisconsin Ave. in Northwest. The memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Matthew's Cathedral, 1725 Rhode Island Ave. in Northwest.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Butch Hopkins Memorial AEDC Scholarship Fund, c/o AEDC, 1800 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE, Suite 100, Washington, DC 20020.
Mayor Vincent Gray has expressed frustration that two days after a sweltering storm hit the area -- killing at least 10 people -- it could be a week before electrical power is restored to thousands of homes and businesses across the District.
To make matters worse, weather forecasters say that the intense heat, which enveloped the area over the weekend, is expected to return.
Grat voiced his sentiments Monday surrounding Pepco's timeliness restoring power. He said in an interview that it's not like the storm that swept through the region Saturday, "hasn't happened before."
As a result of power outages and other damages that occurred, District of Columbia Public Schools will be closed Tuesday, July 3. While federal agencies in the District will be open on Tuesday, non-emergency employees have the option of working from home or taking a day's leave.
As a result of the major storm that hit the area on Friday night, all District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) will be closed on Tuesday, July 3.
Students and staff assigned to summer school, summer bridge or extended school year (ESY) programs should not report to their sites.
DCPS schools will not be open for use by other community based organizations (CBOs) or programs, including SYEP participants, on July 3.
DCPS administrative sites will be open.
School officials hope to resume normal operations and open schools for all programs on Thursday, July 5.
Capitol Fourth Celebration to Feature Kool and Gang, Others
Monday, 02 July 2012 16:35 Published in Arts & Entertainment
This July 4th, America's national Independence Day celebration kicks off our country's 236th birthday, as A CAPITOL FOURTH on PBS welcomes a brand new host, Emmy Award-winning television personality Tom Bergeron.
Hot off another winning season as host of the hit TV series, DANCING WITH THE STARS, Bergeron will lead an all-star cast in a patriotic evening of unrivaled musical performances, topped off by the greatest display of fireworks anywhere in the nation.
The multi award-winning event will feature AMERICAN IDOL winner Phillip Phillips; two-time Tony Award winner Matthew Broderick performing songs from the hit Broadway musical NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT with four-time Tony nominee Kelli O'Hara; acclaimed Broadway and television star Megan Hilty (SMASH); singer-songwriter Javier Colon (winner of THE VOICE); country music star Josh Turner; R&B superstars Kool & The Gang; world renowned tenor Russell Watson and the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly.
Eight-time Olympic medalist Apolo Anton Ohno will host a tribute to Team USA, honoring the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams, featuring five-time Academy Award-winner John Williams conducting his "Olympic Fanfare."
Broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, A CAPITOL FOURTH will air live in HD on PBS Wednesday, July 4, 2012 from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET (check local listings) before a concert audience of hundreds of thousands, millions more at home, as well as to our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Network. The program can also be heard live in stereo over NPR member stations nationwide.
A CAPITOL FOURTH has truly become America's favorite Independence Day celebration, and a cornerstone of PBS's annual programming line-up, as is evidenced by the ratings. During the 2010-2011 season, A CAPITOL FOURTH took the top prize, for the second consecutive year, as the number one rated program in primetime. With a 4.6 Nielsen rating A CAPITOL FOURTH reached over 11 million viewers.
"What an honor to be in the nation's capital for America's biggest birthday party," said Tom Bergeron. "Hosting A CAPITOL FOURTH enables me to celebrate two things I'm a big fan of - America and PBS!"
Added Executive Producer Jerry Colbert, "We are thrilled that Tom Bergeron will lead our nation in this star-spangled celebration. We are also humbled that the viewers have chosen this unique live television event as their favorite. With the eyes of America upon us, we join as one family to celebrate our freedoms, using the magical medium of television."
The 2012 broadcast of A CAPITOL FOURTH will include two unique segments:
• Apolo Anton Ohno and legendary composer John Williams will lead a rousing and patriotic send off to Team USA as they head to the London 2012 Olympic Games featuring current and past U.S. Olympians as well as members of the U.S. Paralympic team; and
• A musical tribute to beloved American legend Gene Kelly, in celebration of his 100th birthday, featuring the National Symphony Orchestra performing a medley of Hollywood classics including SINGIN' IN THE RAIN and AN AMERICAN IN PARIS.
Offering viewers extended coverage of the fireworks display, A CAPITOL FOURTH will capture the stunning pyrotechnics from every vantage point with twenty TV cameras stationed around the city – including the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the Washington Monument and across the Potomac River.
The show will be capped off with a rousing rendition of Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" complete with live cannon fire provided by The U.S. Army Presidential Salute Battery, an audience favorite and now an A CAPITOL FOURTH tradition.
Also participating in the event will be The Choral Arts Society of Washington, along with The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band, the Quantico Marine Corps Band, Members of the Armed Forces carrying the State and Territorial Flags and the Armed Forces Color Guard provided by the Military District of Washington, D.C.
Violent Storm Leaves 443,000 Pepco Customers Without Power
Sunday, 01 July 2012 03:31 Published in Local
Restoration Effort Will Take Several Days
Friday night's violent windstorm that ripped through the Washington area has devastated the Pepco electric system, leaving more than 443,000 of Pepco's 788,000 customers without power.
Winds in excess of 70 miles per hour uprooted trees and blew down limbs, which brought down numerous power lines and broke crossarms and poles.
Due to the widespread damage and the large number of outages, the power restoration effort is expected to take several days. Critical customers who need electricity for life support equipment are advised to seek shelter where power is available. The weather forecast for the Washington area calls for more thunderstorms today, which could cause additional outages.
"As soon as the storm passed, we had crews starting to assess the damage,"said Thomas H. Graham, President, Pepco Region. We'll continue conducting a comprehensive assessment, which we'll use to strategically deploy crews. We'll work full force and around the clock until every customer is restored."
After a severe storm such as this, assessing damage and estimating when customers will be restored could take more than 24 hours after the storm has passed.
All Pepco employees have a second role during emergencies and will participate in the restoration effort.
The utility is calling for crews from other utilities to assist with restoring service. However, the large magnitude of the storm has left utilities with millions of customers without electric service from the Midwest through the Mid-Atlantic regions. It is likely that crews who are able to assist will have to travel days to arrive.
Pepco will restore power by targeting wires serving critical infrastructure, such as hospitals, fire stations, water filtration plants and police stations, as well as those serving the largest number of customers.
The safety of our customers and crews is paramount. Customers are urged to avoid working crews and to stay away from all downed wires, even if they don?t appear to be energized.
All outages and downed wires should be reported to 1-877-PEPCO-62, through pepco.com or through the mobile app, available for downloading at pepco.com/mobileapp. Customers should request a call back to verify their power has been restored.
Rodney King Remembered as 'Symbol of Forgiveness'
Rodney King, who suffered a brutal beating in 1991 at the hands of four Los Angeles police officers, was laid to rest Saturday following a public memorial. His burial which captured by news cameras, took place at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Hollywood Hills, Calif.
King was found dead in the swimming pool at his home in Rialto,Calif., on June 17. The death has been ruled as an accidental drowning and authorities are still waiting on the results of an autopsy report.
"I will remember his smile, his unconditional love," King's daughter Laura Dene King, 28, said. "He was a great father, a great friend; he loved everyone. People will just have to smile when they think of him."
The Rev. Al Sharpton, who delivered the eulogy, described King as a symbol of forgiveness, who bore the scars of his infamous beating with dignity.
He also said during a news conference prior to the funeral that King never showed bitterness to the officers who beat him.
"People should not be judged by the mistakes that they make, but by how they rise above them," Sharpton said. "Rodney had risen above his mistakes, he never mocked anyone, not the police, not the justice system, not anyone."
King, who was 47, was also most famously known for his plea, "Can we all just get along?" He filed a lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles in 1992, which later netted him a settlement in excess of $3 million.
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