Thursday, September 14, 2023

Kayak Training and the "Star Spangled Banner"

Kayaking to Ft. McHenry has been one of my favorite kayaking training routes in Baltimore Harbor.

209 years ago during the early hours of the morning on September 14, 1814, after the night's bombardment of Ft. McHenry, Francis Scott Key saw that our flag was still flying over Ft. McHenry. After the fierce bombardment of the fort starting the night before, this sight inspired him to write the poem "Defence of Fort M'Henry", which was used for the lyrics of the "Star Spangled Banner".

Approaching Ft. McHenry and seeing the "Star Spangled Banner".

Ft. McHenry Pier as seen from my kayak,

Ft. McHenry is high on my list as a waypoint on my kayaking route to raise funds for St. Elizabeth Elementary this Fall!

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Repairing the Damage: Work to Assure Voting Rights

Some notable stories on actions to defend voter rights were reported by the Associated Press, September 5, 2023.

Alabama: A three-judge panel has blocked Alabama’s congressional districts, ordering new lines drawn

Federal judges said Tuesday that they will draft new congressional lines for Alabama after state lawmakers refused to create a second district where Black voters at least came close to comprising a majority, as suggested by the court.

https://apnews.com/article/alabama-redistricting-ruling-black-population-affd7b662f65b0b28da42fb88f72207e?user_email=c216990909d52d067fea6da5355e9d4fdb2cbd687d40ba5e5bf206e4b9d355b4&utm_medium=APNews_Alerts&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_campaign=NewsAlerts_09052023_Alabama&utm_term=AP%20News%20Alerts

Florida: DeSantis’ redistricting map in Florida is unconstitutional and must be redrawn, judge says

A Florida state judges ruled that the redistricting plan pushed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis violates the state constitution and is prohibited from being used for any future U.S. congressional elections since it diminishes the ability of Black voters in north Florida to pick a representative of their choice.

https://apnews.com/article/florida-redistricting-politics-gerrymandering-desantis-d04d4d69a5c52e2997e94fa842f8757e

Georgia: A Georgia trial arguing redistricting harmed Black voters could decide control of a US House seat

In Georgia, U.S. District Judge Steve Jones is hearing what is expected to be a two-week case without a jury. If he rules against the state, he is likely to order Georgia’s Republican-controlled General Assembly to redraw districts to comply with the law.

The trial beginning Tuesday is part of a wave of litigation progressing after the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this year stood behind its interpretation of the Voting Rights Act, rejecting Alabama’s challenge to the law.

https://apnews.com/article/georgia-redistricting-congress-house-senate-voting-trial-ed521719c88abb198cbe9148cffdaf16

2023 Kayaking Fundraiser for St. Elizabeth Oakland

In May 2022, I paddled around Alameda as a benefit for St. Elizabeth Elementary School*. Thanks to all who donated! I am preparing for this Fall's kayaking Fund Raiser for SE. I did my first training day of this month: a two and a half mile kayak in Baltimore Harbor.