CCISD~Unitary Status~"costly irreversible mistakes"

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Resources > Civil Rights in Brief > School Desegregation

In an effort to help the community understand current basic concerns about civil rights, we have published the following Civil Rights in Brief which summarize these issues and can help you learn what you can do to protect them.
Resegregation in American Schools
Background
The Supreme Court in 1954 decided in Brown v. Board of Education that legally mandated segregated schools were no longer acceptable. The main finding of the court was that "separate educational facilities are inherently unequal." This decision was the first step in a long struggle to reverse the exclusion and discrimination towards African Americans. It would take two decades to bring down the walls of separation and move towards true integration.
Today the principles of the Brown decision are eroding with increasing economic and racial isolation in schools. More than forty years after Brown, segregation creeps its way back into our schools. Segregation is a term we tend to associate with a time gone by, yet the national trend indicates that we are in many ways moving backwards in time.
The South has always had the highest proportion of black students. This region also had the most rigid system of legal segregation so it was in the South that the most aggressive desegregation plans were implemented following the Brown decision. The 1964 Civil Rights Act and a series of subsequent decisions by the Supreme Court intensified integration efforts in the South, ended the delay of desegregation plans, and authorized busing. The South became the nation’s most integrated region for whites and blacks by 1970 and has been since. This progress was stalled when Reagan-Bush administration policy changes and judicial appointments in the late 1980’s through 1990’s would bring enforcement of desegregation to a pause and challenge implementation of new plans. Integration efforts in the South were stable for decades but the South is now the region of the country resegregating the fastest.
National Trends
A study entitled "Resegregation in American Schools" by The Civil Rights Project finds that the percent of black students in majority white schools peaked in the early 1980’s and declined to the levels of the 1960’s by the 1996-1997 school year. The judicial policies of the 1990’s set the stage for accelerating erosion of the vision of Brown with increasing segregation in schools. Ironically, this cutting away of the principles of Brown comes at a time when the country’s minority population is growing rapidly. Latinos, who are becoming the largest minority group in the country, are the most severely segregated, most intensely in the Northeast. In the West, where Latinos are a dominant minority group, 77% of Latino children are in predominantly minority schools.
Latinos and blacks are moving into the suburbs in large numbers, but are usually moving into segregated schools. Metropolitan and urban segregation has been enabled by school policies such as the drawing of attendance zones or the construction of schools serving residentially segregated areas. In addition, many northern and Midwestern metropolitan areas have dozens of separate school districts, making it more difficult for desegregation plans to include large areas. Patterns indicate that African Americans and Latinos in metropolitan areas are often in school districts that make desegregation infeasible and segregation an accepted part of community life. Data from 1996-1997 shows that blacks and Latinos living in suburbs of big cities have an average non-white enrollment of between 60% and 64%.
Civil Rights Concerns
Many critics question the need to uphold desegregation. Is it important for a minority child to sit next to a white child? The fact is that students in racially isolated and minority schools are also likely to be segregated by class and income. Racially isolated schools for all groups except whites are usually schools with high concentrations of poverty. Segregated black or Latino schools are 11 times more likely to experience concentrated poverty. Concentrated poverty levels are profoundly related to educational inequalities and lower educational achievement. Schools with high poverty concentrations have lower school test score averages, few advanced courses, fewer teachers with credentials, inferior courses and levels of competition, and send fewer graduates on to college.
The consequences of attending unequal schools are alarming in this period when college admissions standards are rising, mandatory tests are being implemented, remedial courses are being cut, and affirmative action is being eliminated.
Legal Developments
Unitary status is the idea that a desegregation plan has effectively ended a segregated school system and has created a "unitary" system under which unequal schooling for minorities and whites has been eliminated. Some courts have tended to grant unitary status even when it is clear that a dual system of education still exists, saying that everything practical has been done. The Supreme Court’s rulings in the 1990’s have in effect restored local control, and reduced implementation of the principles of Brown to the good faith of school districts. However, local school districts have historically not placed desegregation on their list of priorities. Left to voluntarily implement desegregation plans, local districts often opt to spend money on "separate but equal" alternatives. School districts declared "unitary" often choose to return to segregated schools in the name of educational improvement and increased opportunity for minority students. Some courts have gone further, forbidding school districts that are unitary to maintain any explicit desegregation policies.
As many schools move towards resegregation, local officials and leaders offer nostalgic ideals of "neighborhood schools" to better serve and educate minority children. Although there are isolated instances where neighborhood schools and compensatory programs have positive effects for minorities, overwhelmingly the evidence indicates that such schools are low performing. They are the most segregated schools, though not labeled as such, severely limiting the options and opportunities for minority students. Once a district has been declared unitary, the court relinquishes control and the local government assumes responsibility for the condition of schools. It is expected that the local government will see to the equal distribution of opportunity for all students.
Voluntary implementation of desegregation plans is the remaining recourse to maintain racial integration. However, voluntary actions aimed at maintaining integration are being challenged nation wide. For example, the Boston Public Schools were challenged by white parents claiming that the city’s voluntary policies to keep the prestigious Boston Latin magnet school integrated discriminated against their daughter and the plan was forbidden. Likewise, in San Francisco, facing a suit by Chinese Americans who were denied admission to the magnet school Lowell and two elementary schools, the district agreed to phase out its 15 year-old court approved desegregation plan, which said that a school could have no more than 45 percent of any one racial or ethnic group. The district agreed to stop assigning students on the basis of race, but would seek other means of maintaining diversity.
What You Can Do
If your local school is under law suit, get the community involved using the lawsuit as an educational tool. This can be accomplished by writing op-eds, and showing up for press conferences, court dates, and rallies. Community groups can provide attorneys with important information on the day to day realities of the educational system.
Use petitions as an organizing and educational tool on various education issues. Petition drives provide an opportunity to educate people, get them involved, and/or influence their opinions on education issues.
Community groups and educational leaders must play an active role in challenging districts as declaration of unitary status is pursued. Unitary status eliminates many rights of minority students. In cases where it is granted these groups must monitor the resulting actions so that local officials do not make costly irreversible mistakes.
Examine the effects of segregated schools and push for specific definitions of educational equality and good faith compliance by school districts. Advocates must insist that the actual results of new policies be evaluated independently and real provisions of opportunities be made for minorities. In addition, advocates should challenge school officials to provide professional leadership for the effective improvement of schools.
Recognize the critical link between housing segregation and school segregation. Include segregation in the housing market as part of the negotiations on education with community leaders. In addition, involve fair housing groups in the discussions around education.
Suggest that integrated neighborhoods be rewarded, recognizing the positive impact that this has on school desegregation. In addition, advocates for civil rights should be sensitive to the growing problems of suburban segregation and development of unequal schools.
Monitor the media’s coverage; it should focus on what actually happens in segregated schools supported by evidence. As an important information and educational source for the public, it is crucial that the press be forced to look at the actual consequences of policy changes.
Engage the media to amplify the voice of the community and exert pressure on policy makers. Media can be used for a campaign or to bring attention to an event. For example, a community group may send out press releases in order to attract media to attend a rally in opposition to the closing of a school or may attract the attention of a journalist to write a story about a broad issue. Having concrete examples is important in gaining media attention. Media frequently give far more attention to minority opponents of integrated education than to supporters and this should be challenged.
Where to Go for More Information
If you are interested in ordering a bound, hard copy of The Civil Rights Project’s recently released report, "Resegregation in American Schools," please e-mail us at crp@harvard.edu. Mention this brochure and we will send you a copy for half price (regular price: $10.00, special rate: $5.00). Or you can get it for free in PDF format under our School Desegregation research section.
You may also download "Resegregation in American Schools" in PDF Format.
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war pigs gather in their............

Top Officers' Raise Hits Nerve Tom Philpott October 20, 2006 Readers of Tom Philpott’s Military Update column sound off. Flag Officer Raise Touches Nerve The 2.2 across-the-board military pay raise in January is a joke. So is the 8.7 percent raise set for 125 generals and admirals. How about reversing it? Officers do not need the bigger raise. It’s the enlisted ranks who have people on food stamps and receiving assistance from the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. With the price of gas and everything else higher, a 2.2 pay raise is a slap in the face. It’s also a travesty what else our politicians did to the 2007 defense authorization bill. They basically screwed disabled retirees rated “IU,” or unemployable, by refusing to make them eligible immediately for “concurrent receipt” payments [of both full retired pay and their VA compensation]. Maybe America needs to evaluate what these politicians have as perks, benefits and pay so more of that money goes to the people actually fighting and dying for their mistakes. BRYAN COLLINS Via e-mail Great. The same individuals who got us into this quagmire in the Middle East are getting an $1100-a-month pay raise, and my E-3, who is packing his bags next week for a year of "fun in the sun" Iraq, is to get a whopping $33. Unfreaking real…No, how shameful. Rick T. Via e-mail What is wrong! I don't see any of these flag officers on welfare or getting killed. They have a lot of aides and don't have much to do except make public appearances. They do make the decisions but they get input from those aides. If they do not like their pay, why don't they get out of the military and work for a living. Instead they’ll become lobbyists or run for office. GARY YERDON Senior Chief Machinist Mate, USN-Ret. Via e-mail I am not surprised that Congress has enough money to give O-9s and O-10s (lieutenant generals and generals) a huge pay raise but cannot find the funds to support those of us who have paid SBP premiums for over 30 years. I have paid into SBP for 36 years and now will have to wait until 2008 for them to stop [because Congress refused to accelerate the effective date of the paid-up SBP rule]. There is no justice in this congressional decision. DEAN BATCHELDER Sergeant Major, USA-Ret. Via e-mail I am appalled at the inequity of pay raises voted for the upper ranks while lower ranks are getting 2.2 percent. I know why the services cannot recruit good people; they stay in civilian life where at least they get recognized for their efforts. Should we need even more men and women for the military in the future, the draft will be our only hope. I will try to learn how my senators and representative voted. If they supported this they will not receive my vote next month. My husband paid Survivor Benefit Plan premiums for over 30 years before he passed away. It will take me three years to get the level of SBP benefits -- 55 percent of his retired pay – for which we paid premiums all those years. That can leave a foul taste in one's mouth. I support our men and women in service and will never publicly slander the President or our Congress. I will make my choices known at the polls. PATRICIA CARPENTER Rogersville, Tenn. Thank you for keeping us informed. The military pay raise of 2.2 percent is absurd. But the most astonishing part of your article describing the final defense bill is the effect on officers in pay grades 0-9 and 0-10 with the Secretary of Defense gaining authority to add an additional 2.5 percent to retired pay for each year served past 30. That is preposterous. The very top grades already receive all of the "perks." They and their wives are given VIP treatment on each and every military installation. Their meals have to be their preference, sent to installations ahead of their arrival. They have Lear jets to ferry them wherever they wish to visit. They have preferred housing anywhere they are assigned. Enough is enough. WILLIAM B. HATCHER Master Sergeant, USAF-Ret. Via e-mail LIMITED TSGLI This regards your column on the new Traumatic Injury Protection under Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (TSGLI). I was injured June 30, 1991, at Travis Air Force Base right after Desert Storm. A few months after my original injury I was diagnosed to have developed Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. It is an unbearable burning and painful condition first discovered during the Civil War. My RSD/CRPS was never cured. The Air Force retired me under permanent disability retirement with a 50-percent service-connected disability rating. Through the years, and several VA ratings boards, I was given 100-percent, service-connected disability rating with loss of use of both legs. Do I qualify for SGLI compensation? I was paying my monthly fees for SGLI before I got injured. SABINO DEODANES Staff Sergeant, USAF-Ret. Via e-mail The TSGLI only applies to certain traumatic injuries sustained to active duty and reserve members after Nov. 30, 2005. Eligibility is retroactive only for those with traumatic injuries sustained in combat areas since Oct. 7, 2001, when U.S. troops first entered Afghanistan. – Tom Philpott WHY END SBP-DIC OFFSET My husband died from Agent Orange-related cancers in 1994, just a few months shy of his 59th birthday. When he retired he agreed to a minimum amount of Survivor Benefit Plan coverage, which at his death resulted in approximately $289 per month in income to me as his widow. However, when it was decided I would receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation from the VA, I was denied the SBP. The government took back payments I had received and reimbursed me for premiums that my husband had paid prior to his death in mid-1986. The SBP-DIC offset, which Congress has failed to eliminate again this year, is a “concurrent receipt” issue much like for retirees with disabilities for which many now receive both their retirement pay and their disability compensation. These two payments, in each case, come from a different "pocket" of the government and are in no way related to each other. SBP is similar to an annuity that can be purchased through most insurance companies. In fact, upon retirement, the feeling then was that it would be more cost effective to purchase your own annuity policy with the amount that the government deducted from retirement pay each month. It is time for the... (continued)

Top Officers' Raise Hits Nerve
Tom Philpott October 20, 2006House and Senate to work together to address this issue. With the cost of living increasing substantially every year, it gets harder for military widows to make ends meet. If my husband were still alive we would be quite comfortable with his retirement and my social security but that did not happen.
JUDITH P. HARKHayes, Va.
Letters may be edited for clarity or length. Write to Military Forum, P.O. Box 231111, Centreville, VA 20120-1111, send e-mail to militaryforum@aol.com or visit www.militaryupdate.com
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"Juana B" M Garcia is an "excellent example of agendism, spin and half-truthery"Posted on October 15, 2006 at 01:43:25 AM by 4 Major CThe Ads against Gene Seaman... ...are excellent examples of agendism, spin and half-truthery. Purely progoganda...I''m sickened by them more for their blatant ""politicalization"" than the message they wish to give. The one I have seen...that mentions Delay, neither tells you who to vote for nor who paid for the message (at least plainly visible.) The play on words he gives and allegation he is a ""woman hater"" are taken out of context. They are things a person...any threadster here, might say as a pun. Gene''s ads seem to build on his accomplishments. Gene is in a tight spot...to respond negatively is to drop down below his established ""standards."" But not to respond at all is equally damaging. http://www.ericvonwade.com/community/display.asp?post_id=68198&mode=expand&thread=68198&board=1&board_name=GeneralReplies:










And what?Posted on October 15, 2006 at 02:54:40 AM by Major CarralesWhile I do not know the intent behind this thread... Yes, the adds are examples of "excellent examples of agendism, spin and half-truthery." I take neither side in this debate and hold a great deal of respect for both Juan Garcia and Gene Seaman and, thus, I am an objective observer of the tactics, methods and strats of this campaign. I have always hated agendism and the foul stench of what "politics" has/is become. There is also. now, a commercial from the other side connecting Juan Garcia to attorneys and calling him a "Liberal," in a pejorative manner. Agendism is bad no matter who does it. Let truths come out on the news...and people inform themselves based on presented facts. There is no need to resort to such bias and inuendo where and when it is of a questionable nature. Juan Garcia is a gifted aviator and proven leader in the Armed Forces poised for a bright future. Gene Seaman is a proven legislator and has had a meteoric rise from humble origins. Yet, one would never know any of that from the AGENDISTIC ADS. What to do...eh? It would seem that such tactics are the nature of the beast (politics). I will say again... "to respond negatively is to drop down below established standards. But not to respond at all is equally damaging." Replies:
A Litmus Test for JUANA B Garcia...... - By Jaime Kenedeño October 17, 2006 at 01:48:29 AM
Re(1): A Litmus Test for JUANA B Garcia...... - By Elwood Blues October 21, 2006 at 12:57:36 PM
Re(That's how you play 2): A Litmus Test for a JUANA b... - By dannoynted1 October 22, 2006 at 05:23:15 AM
You dont get it EB.... - By Jaime Kenedeño October 21, 2006 at 06:26:25 PM
Re(1): And what? - By Elwood Blues October 15, 2006 at 11:35:34 AM
Hey EB, you sound jealous and your ignorance and ineptitude is showing - By Jaime Kenedeno October 17, 2006 at 00:22:42 AM
Re(1): Hey EB, you sound jealous and your ignorance and ineptitude is showing - By Elwood Blues October 17, 2006 at 04:23:07 AM
I am a fair man. - By Jaime Kenedeño October 17, 2006 at 04:51:52 AM
You are too correct, Elwood... - By Major Carrales October 15, 2006 at 11:57:27 AM
Re(1): You are too correct, Elwood... - By dannoynted1 October 16, 2006 at 01:37:29 AM
What erks me about Juan ... - By Agreed October 15, 2006 at 03:47:36 PM
Re(1): What erks me about Juan ... - By Elwood Blues October 15, 2006 at 10:18:56 PM
yeah,yeah............. - By dannoynted1 October 16, 2006 at 01:34:27 AM
Re(1): yeah,yeah............. - By Elwood Blues October 16, 2006 at 10:50:50 AM
JUANA B Garcia is a Corporate Lawyer. His wife works for KFATSO. - By Jaime Kenedeño October 17, 2006 at 02:10:25 AM
Re(1): JUANA B Garcia is a Corporate Lawyer. His wife works for KFATSO. - By Elwood Blues October 17, 2006 at 11:51:32 AM
Smart Man EB - By Jaime Kenedeño October 17, 2006 at 07:39:01 PM
well............. - By dannoynted1 October 16, 2006 at 10:56:51 PM
SURPRISE..........EB! - By JJ October 16, 2006 at 01:12:29 AM
Re(1): SURPRISE..........EB! - By Elwood Blues October 16, 2006 at 10:52:01 AM
Re(2): SURPRISE..........EB! - By JJ October 18, 2006 at 11:02:29 PM
Re(3): SURPRISE..........EB! - By Elwood Blues October 19, 2006 at 10:25:33 AM
Juan Garcia is Mikal Watts puppet & related to the old clique from Robstown - By Liberating Thoughts October 16, 2006 at 03:20:34 AM
Re(1): Juan Garcia is Mikal Watts puppet & related to the old clique from Robstown - By Elwood Blues October 16, 2006 at 11:32:19 AM
Elwood Blues stop your anti-Hispanic poor remarks - By Defenzor Webmaster October 16, 2006 at 10:35:50 PM
Re(1): Elwood Blues stop your anti-Hispanic poor remarks - By Elwood Blues October 17, 2006 at 05:42:08 AM


A Litmus Test for JUANA B Garcia......Posted on October 17, 2006 at 01:48:29 AM by Jaime KenedeñoIs he pro life or pro choice? He has yet to personally answer that question. Is he related to Richard Borchard? How is he affiliated with Richard Borchard? BTW, his campaign manager (Joe Hall) is a registered Republican.Replies:
Re(1): A Litmus Test for JUANA B Garcia...... - By Elwood Blues October 21, 2006 at 12:57:36 PM
Re(That's how you play 2): A Litmus Test for a JUANA b... - By dannoynted1 October 22, 2006 at 05:23:15 AM
You dont get it EB.... - By Jaime Kenedeño October 21, 2006 at 06:26:25 PM
Re(1): And what? - By Elwood Blues October 15, 2006 at 11:35:34 AM
Hey EB, you sound jealous and your ignorance and ineptitude is showing - By Jaime Kenedeno October 17, 2006 at 00:22:42 AM
Re(1): Hey EB, you sound jealous and your ignorance and ineptitude is showing - By Elwood Blues October 17, 2006 at 04:23:07 AM
I am a fair man. - By Jaime Kenedeño October 17, 2006 at 04:51:52 AM
You are too correct, Elwood... - By Major Carrales October 15, 2006 at 11:57:27 AM
Re(1): You are too correct, Elwood... - By dannoynted1 October 16, 2006 at 01:37:29 AM
What erks me about Juan ... - By Agreed October 15, 2006 at 03:47:36 PM
Re(1): What erks me about Juan ... - By Elwood Blues October 15, 2006 at 10:18:56 PM
yeah,yeah............. - By dannoynted1 October 16, 2006 at 01:34:27 AM
Re(1): yeah,yeah............. - By Elwood Blues October 16, 2006 at 10:50:50 AM
JUANA B Garcia is a Corporate Lawyer. His wife works for KFATSO. - By Jaime Kenedeño October 17, 2006 at 02:10:25 AM
Re(1): JUANA B Garcia is a Corporate Lawyer. His wife works for KFATSO. - By Elwood Blues October 17, 2006 at 11:51:32 AM
Smart Man EB - By Jaime Kenedeño October 17, 2006 at 07:39:01 PM
well............. - By dannoynted1 October 16, 2006 at 10:56:51 PM
SURPRISE..........EB! - By JJ October 16, 2006 at 01:12:29 AM
Re(1): SURPRISE..........EB! - By Elwood Blues October 16, 2006 at 10:52:01 AM
Re(2): SURPRISE..........EB! - By JJ October 18, 2006 at 11:02:29 PM
Re(3): SURPRISE..........EB! - By Elwood Blues October 19, 2006 at 10:25:33 AM
Juan Garcia is Mikal Watts puppet & related to the old clique from Robstown - By Liberating Thoughts October 16, 2006 at 03:20:34 AM
Re(1): Juan Garcia is Mikal Watts puppet & related to the old clique from Robstown - By Elwood Blues October 16, 2006 at 11:32:19 AM
Elwood Blues stop your anti-Hispanic poor remarks - By Defenzor Webmaster October 16, 2006 at 10:35:50 PM
Re(1): Elwood Blues stop your anti-Hispanic poor remarks - By Elwood Blues October 17, 2006 at 05:42:08 AM
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Re(1): A Litmus Test for JUANA B Garcia......Posted on October 21, 2006 at 12:57:36 PM by Elwood BluesThat's it?..that's your "litmus test" for candidates for State Rep.? Whether they're "pro-life" or "pro-choice"?..and whether they're related to Richard Borchard? Do you really want a politician's views on abortion to determine what everyone else's should be? That's an issue that should be left up to the individual to decide,not politicians.It has no place in the political arena,although both sides keep trying valiantly to put it there.It's been used as a political football for FAR too long..as a wedge to divide us,and it's time we took it out of the hands of politicians.Do you contemplate having an abortion in the near future?..if not why would you base your vote on the issue? The "Richard Borchard" test is just plain stupid.Who freakin' cares who Borchard supports or doesn't?..that's "chisme" politics,and as such,completely irrelevant.Only an idiot would base his/her vote on who Borchard or anyone else supports. Try looking at the candidates through your own eyes,not someone else's.Sit down and think about what's important to YOU..what YOU think the issues are and should be,not what someone else TELLS you they are,then ask the candidates where they stand on what's important to YOU,your family,your livlihood,your community..I guarantee you Borchard did. Think for yourself,Jaime..decide what's best for you and yours and quit worrying about who somebody else supports or doesn't.I promise you..you'll be much more comfortable with your decisions,win or lose.

Re(That's how you play 2): A Litmus Test for a JUANA b...Posted on October 22, 2006 at 05:23:15 AM by dannoynted1Trapt - Headstrong Lyrics Circling your, circling your, circling your head Contemplating everything you ever said Now I see the truth I got a doubt A different motive in your eyes and now I'm out
I'll see you later
I see your fantasy you want to make a reality paved in gold
See inside, inside of our heads yeah, well now thats over
I see your motives inside, decisions to hide
Back off, I'll take you on
Headstrong to take on anyone
I know that you are wrong
Headstrong, we're headstrong
Back off, I'll take you on
Headstrong to take on anyone
I know that you are wrong
And this is not where you belong
I can't give everything away
I won't give everything away
Conclusions manifest
Your first impressions got to be your very best
I see you're full of shit and that's alright
That's how you play
I guess you get through every night
Now that's over
I see your fantasy~ you want to make it a reality paved in gold
See inside, inside of our heads, yeah
Well now thats over

I see your motives inside and your decision to hide
Back off, I'll take you on
Headstrong to take on anyone
I know that you are wrong
Headstrong, we're headstrong
Back off, I'll take you on
\Headstrong to take on anyone
I know that you are wrong
And this is not where you belong (where you belong)
I can't give everything away
(This is not where you belong)
I won't give everything away
I know, I know all about, I know, I know all about, I know, I know all about,
I know, I know all about, your motives inside, and your decision to hide
Back off, I'll take you on
Headstrong to take on anyone
I know that you are wrong
Headstrong, we're headstrong
Back off, I'll take you on
Headstrong to take on anyone
I know that you are wrong
And this is not where you belong (where you belong)
This is not where you belong
I can't give everything away
(This is not where you belong)
I won't give everything away (This is not where you belong)
This is not where you belong

Replies:
You dont get it EB.... - By Jaime Kenedeño October 21, 2006 at 06:26:25 PM
Re(1): And what? - By Elwood Blues October 15, 2006 at 11:35:34 AM
Hey EB, you sound jealous and your ignorance and ineptitude is showing - By Jaime Kenedeno October 17, 2006 at 00:22:42 AM
Re(1): Hey EB, you sound jealous and your ignorance and ineptitude is showing - By Elwood Blues October 17, 2006 at 04:23:07 AM
I am a fair man. - By Jaime Kenedeño October 17, 2006 at 04:51:52 AM
You are too correct, Elwood... - By Major Carrales October 15, 2006 at 11:57:27 AM
Re(1): You are too correct, Elwood... - By dannoynted1 October 16, 2006 at 01:37:29 AM
What erks me about Juan ... - By Agreed October 15, 2006 at 03:47:36 PM
Re(1): What erks me about Juan ... - By Elwood Blues October 15, 2006 at 10:18:56 PM
yeah,yeah............. - By dannoynted1 October 16, 2006 at 01:34:27 AM
Re(1): yeah,yeah............. - By Elwood Blues October 16, 2006 at 10:50:50 AM
JUANA B Garcia is a Corporate Lawyer. His wife works for KFATSO. - By Jaime Kenedeño October 17, 2006 at 02:10:25 AM
Re(1): JUANA B Garcia is a Corporate Lawyer. His wife works for KFATSO. - By Elwood Blues October 17, 2006 at 11:51:32 AM
Smart Man EB - By Jaime Kenedeño October 17, 2006 at 07:39:01 PM
well............. - By dannoynted1 October 16, 2006 at 10:56:51 PM
SURPRISE..........EB! - By JJ October 16, 2006 at 01:12:29 AM
Re(1): SURPRISE..........EB! - By Elwood Blues October 16, 2006 at 10:52:01 AM
Re(2): SURPRISE..........EB! - By JJ October 18, 2006 at 11:02:29 PM
Re(3): SURPRISE..........EB! - By Elwood Blues October 19, 2006 at 10:25:33 AM
Juan Garcia is Mikal Watts puppet & related to the old clique from Robstown - By Liberating Thoughts October 16, 2006 at 03:20:34 AM
Re(1): Juan Garcia is Mikal Watts puppet & related to the old clique from Robstown - By Elwood Blues October 16, 2006 at 11:32:19 AM
Elwood Blues stop your anti-Hispanic poor remarks - By Defenzor Webmaster October 16, 2006 at 10:35:50 PM
Re(1): Elwood Blues stop your anti-Hispanic poor remarks - By Elwood Blues October 17, 2006 at 05:42:08 AM


You dont get it EB....
Posted on October 21, 2006 at 06:26:25 PM by Jaime Kenedeño

he wont commit to or answer the simplest of questions. Very elusive. Now what does that say for a man who wants your vote
Replies:

Del Mar Electronic Anonymous Input Forum: President of Del Mar College Carlos Garcia DNA CG TA Strands Learning Tool: "Carlos Garcia Loves Tits & Ass"

Del Mar Electronic Anonymous Input Forum: President of Del Mar College Carlos Garcia DNA CG TA Strands Learning Tool: "Carlos Garcia Loves Tits & Ass"

Something is rotten in Denmark

The article in the CCCT (in the Local/Texas section) titled "Money went to local GI Forum"; the related link “GI Forum Transactions” lists numerous financial transactions but after some investigation, Kenedeno & Associates finds there are discrepancies. Specific questions reverberate from those who ARE "In The Know".

Mr Chavez,

In year 2004, a state convention was held. According to the “checks and withdrawals” listed $17,906.77 was spent, yet the convention was a function that raised money. There was an admission/membership fee that was charged but is not computed. Will you please show us the "work"? Like in Algebra a math student must show his or her "work" and not just the final answer; not just magically appeared?

Where is the money from the “Golf Tournament” sponsored by Fil Vela and Rene Rodriguez? Again, will you please show us the "work"?


Where is the Western Union money?


Where is the Citgo money?


Where is the money from the GI Forum convention 2004?


Will you please show us the "work"?

These are just to name a few. Perhaps Mr. Ram Chavez will give us the full financial disclosure soon, since, there is an accounting already done by an independent CPA?

This independent accounting firm Swank & Salch is credited with the figures yet I see nothing affirming this except the Caller's noted credibility.

So WATT happened to the old guy who was gonna do it for a $1000? The CPA who worked for Dr Hector?

And why did Juan Garcia step down from the National Archives Board of Directors?

And why ain't the damn grass mowed?

Yes I know the Archives are separate from the Chapters but the lack of Unity is indicative of the root of the problems. All of them.

I submit a letter from Peter Vallecillo. In this letter one will realize the multiple violations that occurred because two men (Willy Davila & Martin Barrios) practiced due diligence and demanded accountability.

Oh I almost forgot! Watt bank pays 33 cents for the year 2004 when there was money in the bank? And when there is less in 2005 the bank pays 67 cents?

“Something smells rotten in Denmark”

This investigative article was researched, compiled and written by dannoynted1 & Jaime Kenedeno. If YOU want to Contribute to our team efforts, have a tip or you need the ENGAGEMENT & INTERACTIVE ; Kenedeno & Associates respectfully brings the Intangible to YOU. It is up to you to do your homework.

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Smells like bullshit to moi

PRINT THIS STORY E-MAIL THIS STORY Money went to local GI Forum
Review finds funds from '99 suit spent on chapter
By adriana garza Caller-TimesSeptember 9, 2006
A review of the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Founding Chapter of the American GI Forum's special bank account indicates that money from a 1999 lawsuit has been spent on chapter business, members said at a press conference Friday.
Former founder's chapter commander Ram Chavez, who has been expelled by the national organization, and two other members of the Founding Chapter paid for the review conducted by a local accounting firm.


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The review indicates $33,852 was deposited in the chapter's special account from the building fund lawsuit in 2000.
Chavez said the money is what was left of a $57,000 payment to the chapter as a result of the lawsuit.
The suit, filed by several local GI Forum chapters, was against the nonprofit National Archives & Historical Foundation of the American GI Forum and several of its directors.
The chapters claimed that the foundation denied them access to money in a building fund controlled by the foundation.
Members also alleged they were not allowed to join the foundation.
Through mediation, the founder's chapter was paid a sum of money. Two former chapter members and the National Board of Directors have asked to review documents that detail how they claim the $50,000 the chapter received from suit was spent, but the chapter did not turn over records.
In July, the national organization suspended the Founding Chapter, citing the chapter's failure to turn over financial documents. Two weeks later, the chapter was reinstated.
Chavez said the chapter spent about $23,000 on attorney and court costs, in addition to reimbursing local GI forum members who contributed to help fund the lawsuit.
Since the money was deposited in 2000, it has been used for convention expenses, including transportation, registration and hosting the state convention in 2004, according to the audit.
Some of the money also was used for slot machines in 2001 before the machines were banned in the county, Chavez said. Once they became illegal, the chapter shut down the machines that raised about $4,500 in revenue for the chapter.
Internal struggles between the national organization and the Founding Chapter over the disclosure of the financial documents have been the focus of much of the controversy surrounding the chapter in recent years.
Chapter members said they felt they were treated unfairly by the national organization but believed they were vindicated by the review, which conducted by the Swank and Salch accounting firm.
"The chapter never believed this was a legit issue," said Bob Ortiz, interim commander of the Founding Chapter. "We feel the cloud over us is now gone."
For years, the National American GI Forum has inquired as to the accountability of the chapter regarding a lawsuit filed seven years ago by Dr. Xico Garcia, brother of GI Forum founder Dr. Hector P. Garcia.
Ortiz said the chapter will present the review to the state GI Forum Board of Directors at today's meeting.
Contact Adriana Garza at 886-3618 or HYPERLINK mailto:garzaa@caller.com garzaa@caller.com

District Judge James DeAnda meets with Maria Ramirez (photo above) as Alvino Campos looks on, and with U.S. District Judge Janis Graham Jack (photo at

PRINT THIS STORY E-MAIL THIS STORY James DeAnda 1925-2006
Activist helped desegregate area schools
By mary ann cavazos Caller-TimesSeptember 8, 2006
Civil rights activist, lawyer and retired U.S. District Judge James DeAnda was a man who fought for fairness and equality for all Americans, in and out of the courtroom, friends said.
DeAnda died Thursday in Michigan after a long illness. He was 81.
In 1968, DeAnda argued in the landmark case Cisneros v. Corpus Christi ISD, which went before the U.S. Supreme Court. The justices' ruling resulted in busing and later helped increase funding for special emphasis schools that ultimately led to school desegregation in the city.
"It was a major civil rights case involving Hispanics," said former state Sen. Carlos Truan. "It clearly brought out that Hispanics had suffered the same civil rights violations that African-Americans had."
During the trial, DeAnda refused to be steered off his goal and remained focused on winning the case, despite receiving several death threats.
"He was dedicated to what he did. He stood up under those things," Corpus Christi lawyer Bill Edwards said of his former business partner and longtime friend. "It was something that he knew had to be done."
Truan credits DeAnda as one of the top attorneys ever to practice in the area.
"As a community, we have lost a great friend who dedicated his life to the practice of law," Truan said, adding that DeAnda also served as his first campaign manager at the start of his lengthy political career.
Despite his heavy caseloads, DeAnda always found time to work with civil rights leaders such as Hector P. Garcia and organizations such as the American GI Forum, the League of United Latin American Citizens, and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Truan said.
Amador Garcia, a local lawyer, GI Forum member and cousin of Dr. Hector P. Garcia, said DeAnda was the forum's legal adviser and confidant to its founder.
"They kept their eyes on the prize and the prize was equality. Everything else was secondary," Garcia said.
He practiced law from 1955 to 1974 before being appointed by former President Jimmy Carter in 1979 to serve as a federal judge in Brownsville.
He was the second Mexican-American to be appointed to the federal bench, where he served until 1992. After retiring as a judge he continued to practice law in Houston until he became ill, Edwards said.
"He helped as many people as he could. I think he would have still been practicing if he hadn't gotten sick. We lost a real champion," Edwards said.
Services at George Lewis Funeral Home in Houston were pending late Thursday.
Contact Mary Ann Cavazos at 886-3623 or HYPERLINK mailto:cavazosm@caller.com cavazosm@caller.com

Former American GI Forum commander absolved of wrongdoing???

Sep 8, 2006 05:02 PM
Former American GI Forum commander absolved of wrongdoing



CORPUS CHRISTI - Ram Chavez, the former commander of a local chapter of the American GI Forum said he's been cleared of misusing any of the group's funds.

At a news conference, Chavez said the National Organization was wrong when it expelled him after questions were raised about the founding chapter's use of funds from a lawsuit settlement in 2000. Chavez said a review by an independent CPA proves he did nothing wrong.

"The chapter has announced today that an accounting of those funds is complete and shows what I've known all along. The funds were all used for American GI Forum business."

6-News contacted the national headquarters of the American GI Forum for a comment, but calls haven't been returned.

Texas State Representative House District 33: Like Vicente, we hear all sides of the local talk radio

Texas State Representative House District 33: Like Vicente, we hear all sides of the local talk radio

Dear Mr. Chavez, The case regarding your disbarment from the AGIF

July 19, 2006

Ram Chavez
1642 Sandlewood
Corpus Christi, Texas 78412

Re: Requested Information by National AGIF

Dear Mr. Chavez,


I would first point out for the record, that you and I exchanged several communications through email in which I made my position clear regarding your “intended” lawsuit, your intentions regarding the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Chapter (hereafter, the Garcia Chapter), and bringing in the Garcia family into your issue. It is now my opinion based on these communications and your responses, that your intentions were never in the best interest of the Garcia Chapter, but rather you used the Garcia family and the Chapter “politically” as a strategy to “play out” what you needed to do for your interest. Let me explain my argument.

The case regarding your disbarment from the AGIF was a separate issue from the requested information regarding the funds obtained from a lawsuit the Garcia Chapter filed. To this date, after you have explained to me through your emails, that “the end was near” and that “you would win this battle” has never materialized. What has materialized is the fact is that now the Garcia Chapter’s Charter has been suspended and you and your attorney are no where to be found, additionally, you have never filed a lawsuit pretty close to a year now. Again, this leads me to believe that you were “posturing” to see how far you could get by using the Garcia Chapter and the Garcia family to “fight” your case for you without filing the lawsuit.

It is my perception that you have misled the Garcia family and the membership of the Garcia Chapter. I have been involved in many circumstance in which I am directly involved in these type of investigations. The first question I raise, if they didn’t do anything wrong, what would be the problem in submitting the requested information? Through your actions, you have raised doubts regarding the Garcia Chapter’s integrity and have placed the Garcia Chapter and it’s membership in a very compromising and legal position.

Thus, you have brought intention “harm” to the Garcia Chapter and it’s members through your conduct and actions. As the Commander of the Garcia Chapter you should have immediately initiated an audit and responded to the requested information. If indeed, you and some of the Garcia Chapter contended and argued that you “were still their commander” regardless of your disbarment from the AGIF, why didn’t you act like a leader and address this matter as the commander? My assumption is that you were aware that “legally” you couldn’t make these decisions so you allowed the Garcia Chapter to take a vote on this matter rather than advising them that such action to vote not to release this information would and may compromise their Charter. At this time, were you not the only one being represented by an attorney?
I have contacted the Internal revenue service and they have provided me the following information regarding a 501 © (4) organization:


(1) If the organization has paid employees they must file the appropriate 941 form;
(2) If the organization had more than a total of $25,000.00 or more income they must file form 990 if over $100,000.00 or 990 EZ if under $100,000.00; and
(3) If the organization has unrelated business income of $1000.00 or more they must file form990T.

One of these documents, more specifically 990 or 990EZ, must have been filed during your tenure as Commander of the Garcia Chapter.

First and foremost, you should not have any financial documentation belonging to the Garcia Chapter in your possession due to your disbarment from the AGIF. Secondly, absent any lawsuit and/or injunction filed by your attorney, you hold no official position with the Garcia Chapter; therefore, you should not have any financial belonging to the Garcia Chapter in your possession. Any and all financial documentation, including those identified above in your possession should be immediately turned over to the Garcia Chapter for purposed auditing this information. If you wish to speak to your attorney you can do so and have him/her call me to discuss this matter.

Mr. Chavez you owe the Garcia Chapter and the Garcia family an explanation regarding the misleading information. Mr. Chavez, I will remind you that while you were acting commander of the Garcia Chapter you are and were responsible for insuring the financial accountability of the Chapter, therefore you owe the Garcia Chapter and it’s members and the Garcia family an explanation for the financial accounting of this information.

The Texas AGIF is on a new course and direction; one of the goals of this course and direction is to insure accountability of all Chapter leadership and members. Thank you.

Respectfully,

Peter Vallecillo
Acting Texas AGIF Civil Rights Director

Cc: Cecilia Akers
Bob Ortiz, Vice Commander, Dr. Hector P. Garcia Chapter
All State Board Members

Hector P Garcia Institute of Education, Integrity, Culture and Public Policy

Heated state House race awaits coastal counties

Web Posted: 07/30/2006 01:02 AM CDT

Greg Jefferson
Express-News Staff Writer

Standing in the living room of a trial lawyer's bayside Aransas Pass home, two dozen would-be campaign contributors and volunteers stared at the telephone as Henry Cisneros' voice emanated from the speaker.

The former San Antonio mayor apologized for not being there in person, explaining that his father, who later died, was gravely ill.

Then he began lauding Democrat Juan Garcia, a Corpus Christi attorney and naval flight instructor who's challenging longtime state Rep. Gene Seaman in Texas House District 32.

"He is such a talent — I believe he is important to the entire state of Texas," Cisneros said. "As soon as he's elected, people will recognize what a true talent he is."

Garcia stood next to the phone, keeping his gaze fixed straight ahead.

Cisneros isn't the only Democratic heavyweight promoting Garcia as a major officeholder in the making. At 40, Garcia's a relatively young Latino politician in a state that's expected to be majority Hispanic no later than 2035.

But winning his race against the 76-year-old Seaman would be tougher than the hype lets on. The numbers in District 32 favor Republicans, and, for both sides, the closely watched race promises to be expensive and intense, if not brutal.

The district encompasses Aransas, Calhoun and San Patricio counties and a portion of Nueces County, home to Corpus Christi. Seaman, a former Golden Gloves boxing champion, has been its representative since 1996.

But this challenge is different from any the business-oriented legislator has faced.

Garcia's résumé is sterling: graduated from Harvard Law School, where he met his future wife, Denise, and befriended future Illinois Sen. Barack Obama; earned a master's degree from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government; became a second-generation Navy pilot, doing tours in Kosovo and the Persian Gulf; and, like Cisneros, was chosen as a White House Fellow.

His political ambition is obvious. It even factored into his decision to enter the military.

"I thought my calling was to serve, and that experience would be invaluable," Garcia said.

He was stationed in Corpus Christi, near his hometown of Robstown, in 2002. Two years later, he left active service, though he still teaches budding pilots in the Naval Reserve.

Before settling last year on the race against Seaman, he considered running for the U.S. Senate — in the event Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison challenged Gov. Rick Perry — and mulled a race for mayor of Corpus Christi.

"What really piqued my interest in this (District 32) race was that people said it couldn't be done," Garcia said. "It's in a hard place, where I'm not supposed to win."

But unseating Seaman, he added, would give him "a full head of steam heading into Austin."

To that end, party leaders have lavished attention on Garcia.

Wesley Clark, a 2004 hopeful for the Democratic presidential nomination and a retired general under whom Garcia served, appeared in Corpus Christi to publicly launch Garcia's campaign in January. And last month, Garcia was tapped at the last minute to introduce gubernatorial candidate Chris Bell at the Texas Democratic Party's convention in Fort Worth, where he got big laughs with a string of jokes about Vice President Dick Cheney's hunting mishap.

"Juan Garcia is a potential star on the national and international stage," said Kelly Fero, a Democratic strategist and unpaid Garcia adviser. "But we're getting way ahead of ourselves. First, he has to get elected, and then he has to do a good job."

Getting elected, of course, is the rub.

The district
Two years ago, President Bush won District 32 by a 2-1 margin, and Republican Willie Vaden beat incumbent U.S. Rep. Solomon Ortiz in the portion that overlapped the 27th Congressional District, though he came up short overall.

"I think (Garcia's) made the same miscalculation a lot of people make, thinking the district's more Democratic than it really is," said Royal Masset, a GOP consultant not affiliated with Seaman's campaign. "If it were an open seat, I think Garcia would have a good chance against a Republican candidate. But it's not."

Seaman, who runs a financial planning business and development company, got a fright in 2002 after redistricting pulled the heavily Hispanic San Patricio County into his sphere. But he still managed to beat then-San Patricio County Judge Josephine Miller by 2,400 votes out of 35,500.

"Here I am running against a female from a prominent family," Seaman said. "It was an extremely formidable race. It was a toughie."

Since then, he said, he's been working to raise his profile in the county. Year-round, a smiling Seaman looks down from a billboard on U.S. 181 on motorists just before they cross the bridge from San Patricio County into Corpus Christi. And he's touting economic development projects in the area.

While Miller carried San Patricio and Calhoun counties, Seaman won largely on the strength of Republican-leaning Mustang and Padre islands and the King's Crossing neighborhood in South Corpus Christi.

The island strongholds are among the fastest-growing communities in the district. Driving across Mustang Island to Port Aransas — past condominiums, rentals and tidy subdivisions of pastel-painted houses — it's clear a building boom is under way; earthmovers compete with the dunes for the attention of passers-by.

"These are not just Republican districts. These are strongly Republican districts," said Bob Bezdek, a political scientist at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. "These people stick together. I don't see (Garcia) picking up a lot of votes there."

But active and retired military officers from the area's two naval facilities make up a chunk of the islands' population, and Garcia is targeting them.

"We're gambling that those military ties run deeper than party affiliation," Garcia said.

He's also courting Hispanics, but they make up only 31 percent of the district's registered voters. To win, Garcia — who's calling for more state investment in public schools and expanding health insurance coverage for children — would have to peel off Republicans and independents.

Fero, the Garcia adviser, believes Garcia will benefit from Republican troubles nationally, which include Bush's low approval ratings and fallout from the scandal involving lobbyist Jack Abramoff. "Throw all that (past election data) out the window," he said. "This year is a whole new year."

With that in mind, Garcia's campaign has publicized money Seaman received during his 2002 campaign from Texans for a Republican Majority, the political action committee at the center of conspiracy and money laundering indictments against then-House Majority Leader Tom DeLay and two associates.

Seaman campaign consultant Mac McCall shrugged off the criticism, saying, "Gene had no control over the bookkeeping of TRMPAC."

Power of incumbency
Seaman believes voters will cast their ballots on the basis of community ties and accomplishments. He ticked off some of the civic groups he belongs to and delved into a list of legislative wins, including funding to combat coastal erosion and for Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.

"I'm doing it every day. I'm running on substance," Seaman said. "Juan doesn't have much to run on besides saying, 'Hey, I'm a good guy.'"

Seaman, a past Nueces County Republican Party chairman, is an ally of House Speaker Tom Craddick and one of the most senior South Texas lawmakers. He plans to make the most of it during his campaign.

"Who's going to have entry to Perry, Craddick and (Lt. Gov. David) Dewhurst?" Seaman asked, driving by the hulking cranes of Naval Station Ingleside on his way to a Rotary luncheon in Rockport. "There's about five or six Seaman types who are going to be running the show."

Indeed, several Craddick lieutenants won't return to the Legislature next year, including Kent Grusendorf, Terry Keel, Joe Nixon, Elvira Reyna, Peggy Hamric, Al Edwards and Vilma Luna, a Democrat from Corpus Christi.

Seaman also is the only Republican legislator from South Texas, which he pointedly noted in a June 15 letter to supporters.

"District 32 is part of the fence that is keeping the Democrats confined to South Texas," he wrote. "We must work hard to keep the liberals where they are."

But Garcia's campaign charges the "fence" sentence is racially motivated, a reference to the fence that would be built along the U.S.-Mexico border under the U.S. House's immigration reform bill.

"It's hard to believe that was an accident," Garcia said. "It was written at a time when the (immigration) debate in Washington was at its zenith."

McCall dismissed that interpretation as "a huge stretch." The sentence's aim, he said, was to get across the urgency of keeping the district in Republican hands.

"If they're focusing on one sentence in a letter to Gene's supporters," McCall said, "all they're trying to do is divert attention away from the fact that Gene's delivered for the district."

Meanwhile, Seaman said he's gotten offers of fundraising help from Craddick, Perry and Hutchison.

Seaman reported raising $90,000 in the first six months of the year, while Garcia collected $206,000. A slice of Garcia's contributions stemmed from the Saturday afternoon get-together last month at which Cisneros spoke; at the end, a small pile of checks sat in the collection basket by the front door.

On the other hand, Seaman had $262,000 in the bank as of June 30, while Garcia reported $80,200 on hand.

Regardless, McCall said the race — one of only a handful of competitive legislative contests in the state — could turn into one of the most expensive for a seat in the Texas House.
gjefferson@express-news.net