Greene County Democrat

Category: history

  • School board members sworn into office; schools accreditation affirmed

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    L to R: Mrs. Janette Cockrell holds Bible as her daughter Kashaya Cockrell is sworn-in; John Zippert holds Bible for his wife Dr. Carol Zippert as Judge Lillie Jones Osborne administers the Oath .

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    Shown L to R displaying Schools Accreditation Plaque: Superintendent James Carter,Sr., School Boardmembers Carrie Dancy, Kashaya Cockrell, Leo Branch, Carol Zippert, William Morgan, Principals Sharon Jennings and Frederick Square.

     

    Ms. Kashaya Cockrell, representing School Board District 2, and Dr. Carol P. Zippert, representing District 1, were sworn into office at the Board of Education meeting held, Monday, November 28, 2016. Greene County District Judge Lillie Jones Osborne conducted the ceremony. Cockrell and Zippert were elected to six year terms each following the November 8, 2016 general election. Zippert served on the school board for the past two years completing the term vacated by Lester Brown when he was elected to the Greene County Commission in 2014, representing District 1.

    Superintendent James H. Carter, Sr. presented the board with a plaque affirming the accreditation of the Greene County School System by the AdvanceEd Accreditation Commission. Following an intensive examination of the school system’s total operations in April, 2016, the AdvanceEd External Review Team recommended Greene County Schools for accreditation.
    In other business the school board approved the following personnel items.
    Employment of Tweela Jordan as Part-time Teacher-Aide at Greene County Career Center; Ivory Robinson as Elementary Teacher at Robert Brown Middle School; Eddie Coats as Bus Driver for the system; Wennoa Peebles as Bus Driver for the system; Adding TreDemis Davis to the current Bus Driver Substitute List 2016-2017. November 14, 2016 approved as the last working day for Ms. Brenda Grant (Retirement was approved October 17, 2016).
    The board approved the following administrative services recommended by Superintendent Carter.
    * Acceptance of bids for a wrought iron fence, brick column, and gate for Greene County High School when funds are available.
    * Permission to research cost of building an athletic field house on Greene County High School campus (Rationale: To be able to utilize the practice field).
    * Agreement between Greene County Board of Education and Integra Realty Resources – Birmingham for Valuation and Consulting Services for the former Paramount Jr. High School and Carver Middle School properties.
    * Contract with West Central Official Association of Livingston, Alabama for basketball officials during the 2016 -2017 school term.
    * Contract with Criterion Consulting LLC for Formative Administrator Evaluation Support Services for 2016 – 2017 school year.
    * Permission for Dr. James Carter, Superintendent, to attend the National Superintendent Conference in New Orleans, LA on March 2 – 4, 2017.
    * Surplus old athletic uniforms for Paramount Jr. High and Carver Middle School or allow coaches to decide how to use them.
    * Request to install a security fence at football stadium at Robert Brown Middle School Stadium
    * Surplus and sale inventory at Paramount Jr. High and Carver Middle School.
    Field trip Request for students and teachers at Greene County High to attend Education Day at Carowinds in Charlotte, NC on April 21, 2017.
    Field Trip Request for Robert Brown Middle School’s 4 – 6 grade to participate in the Disney YES (Youth Educational Series) Program in Orlando, FL on May 7, 2017.
    Field Trip Request for Drama Class to travel to New York City during Spring Break.
    Field Trip Request for students and teachers at Robert Brown Middle School to travel to Atlanta, Ga to visit a Civil Rights Museum and have a College Tour on April 25, 2017.
    Field Trip Request for students and teachers at Robert Brown Middle School to visit Ruby Falls and Rock City in Chattanooga, TN on April 21, 2017.
    Out of School Violent Criminal Conduct Policy.
    Black History In the School Curriculum Policy.
    Resolution to remove authorized signers, Shane Martin and Emma Louie and add Leon Dowe and James Carter as authorized signers at Bank of Tuscaloosa.
    Closing Carver Middle School’s account at Merchants and Farmers Bank.
    Bid submitted by ADS Security in the amount of $19, 980.00 for Camera System at Robert Brown Middle School when funds are available.
    Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
    Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mr. Leon Dowe, CSFO.
    In his report, Dr. Carter noted the following:
    * Attended the World of Work Conference at Shelton State.
    * Participated in the Red Ribbon Week Activities.
    * Participated in the Breast Cancer Awareness Program.
    * Attended and Toured Mercedes Automobile Plant.
    * Performed structured interviews with Principals to enhance student achievement
    * Reviewed test data with staff. This should help us better plan our instructional goal of 5% increase on the ACT Aspire.
    * Ordered 40 jackets to help parents of students who were unable to pay for jackets at the time the uniform dress code for the 9th grade academy was established.
    * Participated in the homecoming parade and several school coronations
    * Attended and participated in the Induction Ceremony at Greene County High School Mu Alpha Theta honor society and Rho Beta history honor society
    Attended West Alabama Works – a Workforce Development Council meeting hosted by Mercedes Benz.
    Inquire about a partnership with city and county government to build or to organize a technology center.
    “In order for the Greene County School System to continue improving, teachers must develop measurable goals for all students. It is my opinion that this system needs refining, better data and better assessments instruments. We must get empowerment right starting with teachers, parents, school community and above all, the students. Our leadership must find a vision that yield positive results.
    “The leadership in our schools and classrooms must perform a self assessment and ask the tough question. Do I want a world class school and district or am I satisfied with the status quo.
    Robert Brown Dedication Ceremony held November 10. Brown was honored by the recently organized middle school being officially named in his honor, Dr. Carter stated.

  • Sioux Tribe leaders respond to army eviction notice of #NoDAPL camp, refuse to give up

     

    By: Whitney Webb, Nation of Change Newsreport

     

    Indians protest Dakota Access Pipeline

    Throughout the months of protests against the controversial Dakota Access pipeline project, the federal government has tried to “spin” its indirect support for the project in order to quell national outrage and prevent further growth of the resistance movement.

    In September, the Department of Justice ordered a temporary halt to all construction on the pipeline as the government “reconsidered” its approval for the project. However, construction never stopped as the injunction was voluntary and Energy Transfer Partners, the pipeline’s parent company, continued building. Then again, last month, the US Army Corps of Engineers ordered another temporary halt on construction, which was also ignored, while the Corps held “talks” with the tribes leading the resistance.

    This past Friday, the federal government finally made its intentions public when the Corps sent a letter to Sioux tribal leaders, telling them that their camps of peaceful protestors and water protectors would be evicted to protect “the general public.” To add insult to injury, the Corps’ commander told the protestors they could move to an officially sanctioned “free speech zone” away from the construction site. These hollow words are clearly more “spin” designed to distance the government from its obvious, though indirect support of the $3.8 billion pipeline project.

    Tribal leaders have now responded to what they termed the Corps’ “direct and irresponsible threat to the water protectors.” The Cheyenne River tribe, who are co-litigants in a lawsuit against the pipeline, sharply rebuked the plan, citing that the area on which the targeted camps lie are Sioux territory per the 1851 Fort Laramie treaty signed by the Sioux and the US federal government. Their leader, Harold Frazier, also pointed out that much of the Sioux’s territory had been illegally claimed by the Corps via the Pick-Sloan Flood Control Act, lamenting the US government’s habit of ignoring the numerous treaties it has signed with the indigenous tribes within its borders.

    The leader of the Standing Rock Sioux, David Archambault II also seconded this statement, saying that the news of the eviction notice was “saddening” but not surprising considering the US government’s historical treatment of indigenous people. Frazier said that, in light of the government’s failure to respect tribal land or autonomy,that his tribe and their allies “will no longer allow our rights as a Tribe or as indigenous people as a whole to continue to be eroded.”

    Frazier also argued that the Corps’ notice “appears to further empower the militarized police force that has been brutalizing and terrorizing our water protectors while imposing the blame and risk on unarmed peaceful people.” He called the Corps’ decision “a grave and dangerous mistake” and said that the protestors would not be leaving their camps regardless of the threat of removal. When the Army Corps’ enforces its eviction notice on December 5th, they will be greeted with peaceful resistance, civil disobedience, and prayer. However, groups of military veterans from around the US are set to arrive at the camps to protect protestors on December 4th, a day before the eviction notice takes effect. This could make for a truly explosive confrontation between the Americans who have chosen to fight for their beliefs and those who have chosen to back the will of the state and corporations.

  • Clinton hits 2M popular vote lead amid calls for recount

     

    By Theodore Bunker   

    hillary-clinton

     Hillary Clinton

    Hillary Clinton’s lead in the popular vote over President-elect Donald Trump has reached more than 2 million, UPI reports.

    Last Wednesday, Cook Political Report announced that Clinton reached 64,225,863 votes, compared to Trump’s 62,210,612. There are still a million uncounted votes in California.

    Clinton’s loss of the Electoral College despite winning the popular vote prompted outcries from her supporters. Now some are calling for a full audit of the election results in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, states Clinton narrowly lost and could have brought her the election.

    “I’m interested in verifying the vote,” Dr. Barbara Simons, who advises the U.S. election assistance commission and is an expert on electronic voting, said to The Guardian. “We need to have post-election ballot audits.”

    Clinton was only the fifth presidential candidate to win the popular vote and lose the election.

    “Unfortunately, nobody is ever going to examine that evidence unless candidates in those states act now, in the next several days, to petition for recounts,” J. Alex Halderman, the director of the University of Michigan’s center for computer security and society, wrote in a Medium post Wednesday that focused on election fraud.

    Jill Stein, Presidential candidate of the Greene Party, has raised $7 million on the internet for a recount of votes in three pivotal states: Wisconsin (Trump’s margin – 27,000 votes), Michigan (11,000) and Pennsylvania (68,000) which provided the margin of victory for Trump by 107,000 total votes.

    “The person who received the most votes free from interference or tampering needs to be in the White House,” said Alexandra Chalupa, former consultant to the Democratic National Committee, to the Guardian. “It may well be Donald Trump, but further due diligence is required to ensure that American democracy is not threatened.”

     

     

  • State Senator Bobby Singleton named as member of Gov. Bentley Advisory Council on Gaming

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    By: John Zippert,  Co-Publisher

    State Senator Bobby Singleton, who represents Greene County and other counties in the Alabama Black Belt, was appointed by the President Pro Tem of the Senate, as one of the eleven members of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Gaming.
    The Council created by the Governors Executive Order No. 24 will assess the current state and local laws on gambling, as well as the taxes generated therefrom, and will evaluate the best practices in other states, including the tax revenue structures and the enabling and implementing regulations and laws, as well as compare Alabama state laws to applicable federal gaming laws.
    Singleton is one of two African Americans on the Advisory Council. The other is Curtis Stewart, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Revenue, one of five members appointed by the Governor. Singleton is one of seven current and former legislators on the Advisory Council.

    The Council is to report its findings and recommendations by January 31, 2017 to the Governor, the President Pro Tem of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House.
    In an interview with the Greene County Democrat, Singleton said, “ I am not overly optimistic but I am hopeful that this Advisory Council can develop a meaningful set of recommendations for gaming, including electronic bingo, gaming on Indian reservations, and a statewide lottery, for adoption by the state legislature.”
    Singleton went on to say, “ There are opponents of any kind of gambling on the Council, and so we will need to educate them about the revenue implications of gaming. We plan to look at models from other states on revenues and their uses. We will also study compacts and relations with Indian gaming in other states and the Federal regulations affecting gaming.”
    When asked if the Advisory Council will hold open hearings and solicit comments from the public, Singleton said that the final plans and schedule for the group were still being formulated and he will advise us of future meetings and opportunities for public input.
    “I am looking forward to the recommendations presented by this 11 person Advisory Council,” Governor Bentley said. “In recent years, a considerable amount of time and resources have been spent debating gaming in Alabama; however I am hopeful this group will present some new ideas or solutions that can help resolve this ongoing dispute and provide a clear direction going forward.”
    The Governor has selected Finance Director Clinton Carter as chairman of the Council. The appointments are as follows:
    Governor’s appointments:
    •Jim Byard, Jr., Director of Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs
    •Clinton Carter, Director of Finance Department
    •Curtis Stewart, Deputy Commissioner of Alabama Department of Revenue
    •Carrie McCollum, General Counsel for Alabama Credit Union Administration
    •Connie Rowe, State Representative
    Pro Tem’s appointments:
    •Bobby Singleton, State Senator
    •Greg Albritton, State Senator
    Speaker’s appointments:
    •Jim Carns, State Representative
    •Craig Ford, State Representative
    District Attorneys Association:
    •Barry Matson, Deputy Director
    Sheriffs Association:
    •Bobby Timmons, Executive Director
    The Democrat plans to follow closely the work of this Governor’s Advisory Council on Gaming because of the implications for electronic bingo in Greene County.

  • Former pro baseball player Omar Washington is training Black youth for the big leagues

    By Stacy M. Brown (NNPA Newswire Contributor)

    omarwashington_ow_web120Former professional baseball star Omar Washington, leads Citius USA, one of the foremost minority youth baseball academies in the nation. (Omar Washington)

    Omar Washington, a former professional baseball player with the Philadelphia Phillies and the Boston Red Sox is on a mission to increase minority participation in Major League Baseball.

    It wasn’t long ago that comedian and actor Chris Rock referred to African-American baseball fans as an endangered species, in part, because he said the game was a sport for the rich.

    Earlier this year, USA Today released an updated report on the demographics of Major League Baseball, which revealed that 69 of the 862 players on 2016 opening day rosters and disabled lists were African-American. Just eight percent MLB players are African-American.

    Rock’s comments and the raw numbers only serve to underscore some of the challenges faced by former professional baseball star Omar Washington, who heads what he calls the most successful minority youth baseball academy in the nation, Citius USA.

    “We have a rich history of moving young ball players to the next level to play college and, or, professional baseball,” said Washington, who was drafted in 1990 by the Philadelphia Phillies and played for the Boston Red Sox during his career. Washington’s son, Ty, plays for the Cincinnati Reds.

    “There are trials and tribulation,” said Washington. “The challenges of making things happen are always tied in with the economics of it and the biggest problem in dealing with the youth in our inner-cities is finances, because parents are forced to choose whether to pay their rent, their car note or for their child to participate in baseball.”

    Still, Washington and his staff have maintained a willingness to stick to it. With the rising cost of all-important tournaments that aspiring baseball stars must participate in, Washington estimates that he’s spent over $27,000 of his own money to ensure that his young players were able to compete and showcase their skills.

    Citius USA began in Texas, but has now expanded to New York, Florida, California and Chicago with a total of 63 teams that contain as many as 16 kids per squad.

    “The tournament prices have risen to $6,400 for a bunch of kids who can’t afford it,” Washington said. “We’ve been doing this for the last few years and you take a bunch of kids and their parents are worried about keeping their lights on, paying for their car that they need to go to work and then you tell the kid’s parent that they need $1,000 to play in a tournament.”

    Former Los Angeles Angels general manager Tony Reagins, who was appointed as Major League Baseball’s senior vice president for youth programs, told the baseball news website, the Big Lead, that research has revealed that “the financial barrier is an important barrier participating” in the decline of the participation of African-Americans.

    “For soccer or basketball at the early ages, the financial outlay may include just the cost of a ball and shoes (and a relatively inexpensive pair of shin guards for soccer),” the article said. “For baseball or softball, those costs can include a bat, a fielding glove, multiple pairs of pants, batting gloves, shoes, and a batting helmet, and a bag to manage and transport all of it.”

    The Big Lead article continued: “Once in the sport, the financial barriers for continuing in competition can escalate even more. This is particularly true as kids get to the 12 and 13-year-old age groups, when baseball begins to see the participation decline. Local community-based leagues may have a relatively affordable entry fee, but once tournament baseball becomes a bigger part of the equation, fees escalate.”

    Tournament fees don’t include hotel accommodations, gas and food money, as well as costs for any family member who desires to travel with the player.

    Washington has resisted the temptation of calling on past or present superstars like Derek Jeter, Andrew McCutchen, Lorenzo Cain and others. “I’m trying hard to help and, right now, we’re the number one ranked minority-based organization in the whole country and with that you’d think those guys who have made it would look at this situation because of the economics and do something,” Washington said. “I can’t make them do anything. I would love to tell them to stop being naïve and that these kids are you. They are who you were once and they are striving to get the same opportunities that you got.”

    Even the various urban youth academies run by Major League Baseball itself have failed to flourish – or at least they’ve been unsuccessful in establishing a rapport with young African-Americans. “The programs really are nonexistent for us in the areas that we are in,” Washington said. “They don’t consider the hardships that the kids go through and they don’t address that at all. Those academies are not nearly enough to make a difference.”

    So, Washington continues to push on – seeking to hit homeruns where he can, but taking it one base at a time, which he notes is the only reasonable alternative. The goal of Citius USA is to improve the talent level of the minority youth and, in doing so, providing a platform to college or pro baseball for athletes at the high school level.

    Mostly, Washington said he continues to promote sportsmanship, hard work, competitiveness, and knowledge and respect for the game of baseball. “The competition we surround our players with is unmatched and it really gives our kids an edge,” Washington said. “I bet you that 90 percent of Black kids in Texas, who have played professional baseball came through my organization.”

    Washington continued: “We are trying to do something here and we definitely want to make sure that we reaching out to help these kids. Our track record is really good; we have 75 kids who have been drafted out of the program and over 400 who are now in college. It’s a strong program and we’re doing it with very little because we’re old school and these kids deserve this opportunity.”

  • Robert Brown Middle School dedication held

    Pictured L to R: Sheriff Jonathan Benison, Superintendent James Carter, Renatta Brown, Magnolia Brown Dr. Robert Brown, Jerry Brown, Board members Dr. Carol Zippert, Carrie Dancy and Leo Branch.Brown family: Jerry, Renatta, Dr. Robert Brown, Mrs. Magnolia Brown, Superintendent Dr. James Carter presents photo of Dr. Brown which will be placed in Robert Brown Middle School

    The dedication of the Robert Brown Middle School in Eutaw, AL was held Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016 in honor of the first African American Superintendent of the Greene County School System. The ceremony consisted of unveiling the marque on the school grounds facing Mesopotamia Street with the signage Robert Brown Middle School. The new name was also placed on the front of the building. A framed photo of Dr. Brown was presented for the entrance foyer of the facility.
    The program included greetings and remarks from the Superintendent Dr. James H. Carter and School Board President Mr. Leo Branch. Dr. Carol P. Zippert, Board Vice President, shared a bio of the accomplishments and contributions of Dr. Brown. Welcome and remarks were given by Mrs. Barbara Martin and Mr. Frederick Square, Principals at the Robert Brown Middle School.
    A reception followed the formal program where family and friends shared congratulatory remarks regarding Dr. Brown, who was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Magnolia Brown, daughter Renatta and son Jerry. In his comments, Dr. Brown acknowledged the full support of his wife and children in all his endeavors. Mrs. Magnolia Brown was a Home Economics Teacher in the Greene County School System for over 40 years.Dr. Robert Brown, a native of Greene County from the Mantua community, served as Greene County School Superintendent from 1970 -1980. His appointment by the local school board came about following the special election of 1969, ordered by the U.S. Supreme Court when Black candidates were left off the ballot in Greene County Alabama for the 1968 elections. The special election of 1969 allowed the 80% Black majority population to elect Black candidates to the school board, county commission, sheriff’s office, tax collector, circuit clerk, and more. Dr. Brown was an activist in the Civil Rights Movement in Greene County.
    During his early years as superintendent, Dr. Brown secured resources to construct a new Eutaw High School, the facility now named for him. Eutaw High School was later re-named Greene County High School, following the consolidation of the two county high schools. As superintendent, Brown also facilitated the construction of the Peter J. Kirksey Vocational School, named for the first African American school board member in Greene County.
    Other accomplishments of Dr. Brown as superintendent included establishing JROTC Program; brought HeadStart Program to Greene County; established adult education program for Greene County citizens; established University Without Walls allowing teachers to earn advanced degrees; implemented first free breakfast program for school system and first free summer feeding program; instrumental in bringing Miles College-Eutaw Program to Greene County.
    Dr. Brown’s prior positions in the school system included Principal of Greene County Training School which he later re-named Paramount High School; Principal of Jameswood Junior High School; Chemistry and Physics Teacher at GCTS; Teacher Corps Director and Instructor at Livingston University, now University of West Alabama.
    In 2016, the Greene County golf course was officially named Dr. Robert Brown Double Eagle Golf Course. In 2013, Dr. Brown was inducted in the Black Belt Hall of Fame at the University of West Alabama. In 2015, he was recognized by the Epsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity at Alabama A&M University and the Rocket City Ques of Huntsville as a Living Legend.
    Dr. Brown is a World War II Veteran who served under General George Patton. For his outstanding service, Brown received four Bronze Stars, the Combat Medal and an Honorable Discharge.
    At its May, 2016 meeting, the Greene County Board of Education approved the consolidation of Paramount Jr. High School and Carver Middle School. This became effective with the current 2016-2017 school year. Subsequently, at its July 2016 meeting, the board voted unanimously to name the new consolidated middle school Robert Brown Middle School.

  • Gwen Ifill, ‘PBS NewsHour’ Co-Anchor, dies at 61

    Ashley Alman Politics Social Media Editor, The Huffington Post

    gwenifill00

    Gwen Ifill

    Gwen Ifill, moderator and managing editor of “Washington Week” and co-anchor of “PBS NewsHour,” has died. She was 61 years old.

    WETA President and CEO Sharon Percy Rockefeller confirmed the news to staff in a Monday email, saying Ifill died of cancer.

    “I am very sad to tell you that our dear friend and beloved colleague Gwen Ifill passed away today in hospice care in Washington,” she wrote. “I spent an hour with her this morning and she was resting comfortably, surrounded by loving family and friends.”

    A veteran journalist, Ifill moderated the 2004 and 2008 vice presidential debates. She was set to receive the 2016 John Chancellor Award from Columbia University for “her unflinching pursuit of the truth, healthy skepticism of those in power and her commitment to fairness.” The award ceremony, scheduled for Nov. 16, was recently postponed.                  X

    Prior to her career at PBS, Ifill worked at The Washington Post, The New York Times and NBC News. She joined PBS in 1999, and in 2013, Ifill and her “PBS NewsHour” co-host Judy Woodruff became the first women to co-host a nightly news program.

    “Gwen was one of America’s leading lights in journalism and a fundamental reason public media is considered a trusted window on the world by audiences across the nation,” PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger said in a statement.

    Sara Just, “PBS NewsHour” executive producer, praised Ifill as a “journalist’s journalist.”

    “Gwen was a standard bearer for courage, fairness and integrity in an industry going through seismic change. She was a mentor to so many across the industry and her professionalism was respected across the political spectrum,” Just said in a statement.

    NBC News correspondent Pete Williams fought back tears as he reported on the death of his “dear friend, a former NBC colleague.” “Gwen would want me to get this together,” he said. “She had so many rewards and awards in her office you could barely see out the window. … She was one of the most successful women in journalism.”

    Politicians, journalists and celebrities paid tribute to Ifill on Twitter following the news of her death.

     

  • Jefferson County Alabama just elected 9 Black women to become judges

    Rahel GebreyesEditor, HuffPost Video

     

    jefferson-co-judges

    Three of the judges (L to R) Javan Patton, Elizabeth French and Agnes Chappell

    Black women made history in Jefferson County, Alabama.

    In a great stride for representation Tuesday, nine black women were elected to become judges in majority Democratic Jefferson County, Alabama, The Birmingham Times reported.

    The black women who came out on top in the district and circuit courts are all Democrats. Javan Patton, Debra Bennett Winston, Shera Craig Grant, Nakita “Niki” Perryman Blocton, Tamara Harris Johnson, Elisabeth French, Agnes Chappell, Brendette Brown Green and Annetta Verin are to be sworn in next January.

    French, who was re-elected to Jefferson County’s Circuit Court, told The Birmingham Times that she believes her hard work and years of experience helped to propel her to elected office.

    “I think the people don’t necessarily just support you just because of your race and gender. I think voters expect more than that. They look at our qualifications and make a decision about who they can trust with the leadership position,” she said.

    Tuesday night was a big night for women of color across the states ― not just in local politics, but in federal positions, as well. Three women of color, Catherine Cortez Masto, Tammy Duckworth and Kamala Harris, were elected to the Senate. Stephanie Murphy and Pramila Jayapal were also elected to the House. Next year, there will be 38 women of color serving in Congress, bringing us a little bit closer to shattering that glass ceiling.

     

     

     

  • Eric Holder says the Electoral College must be abolished

    Lee Moran Trends Editor, The Huffington Post

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    Former Attorney General Eric Holder called for an end to the electoral college voting system on Friday.

    With Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton winning the popular vote but losing the election, he said it was now time to change the way the U.S. elects its presidents.

    “I’m in the process now of writing an article that says there’s a simple solution to it and we have to just abolish the electoral college,” Holder told “Real Time” host Bill Maher.

    He acknowledged such a move would require a constitutional amendment, which Maher quipped would mean “some heavy lifting.” “But so all right, it involves heavy lifting, let’s lift heavy, let’s do it,” Holder replied.

    The duo later discussed why, despite President-elect Donald Trump’s claims throughout his campaign that the election was rigged against him, the electoral college system actually meant the opposite.

    And they found common ground on why voting days should be moved to a weekend or made a public holiday.

  • Jury selection has begun in S.C. shooter Dylann Roof’s trial

    By Yvette C. Hammett, UPI

    dylan-roof

    Dylann Roof, the man accused in a shooting spree that left nine dead at a historic Charleston, South Carolina church appears before a judge on June 19, 2015

    CHARLESTON, S.C., Nov. 6 (UPI) — Final jury selection for the Dylann Roof federal murder trial began on Monday and is expected to be a long and tedious process, authorities said.

    Picking 12 jurors at the historic courthouse in downtown Charleston won’t be quick, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty, The State reported. The federal trial is expected to take place in two phases. The first phase is to determine guilt or innocence. The second phase, if the self-proclaimed white supremacist is found guilty, is to determine whether the death penalty should apply or if he will get life in prison.

    The 22-year-old Roof faces 33 separate charges stemming from the mass shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston on June 17, 2015. Nine people died, including a state representative. Some of the charges are for hate crimes.

    Jury selection started in September with a pool of 3,000 potential jurors. The group was vetted and pared down to about 700. The pool will be pared further to a dozen jurors and six alternates over the coming weeks.

    “This is the most challenging jury selection in the American legal system,” said Johnny Gasser, now in private practice in Columbia but who has tried 10 death penalty cases as first a state prosecutor and then a federal prosecutor.

    “There’s nothing like it,” said Gasser, who has served on the U.S. Attorney General’s Death Penalty Review Committee. “And cases don’t get any more high profile than the Roof case.”

    Roof had agreed to plead guilty to murdering nine people, rather than going through a lengthy and expensive trial, only if the death penalty gets taken off the table, his lawyers said. Roof’s attorneys argued in court filings and in hearings that the death penalty is unconstitutional and should not be considered.

    Federal prosecutors argue that the racial motivation and depth of the crime call for the death penalty, The Wall Street Journal reported.