May 2006

Greetings All,
 
This is nothing but another silly internet HOAX for people who have not read *anything* about Voting Rights laws.  Camille Cosby did not give a bogus "speech" and the information is false.  Notice there is no date or place given for this fake "speech," which has been circulating on the internet for several years.  Cosby did write an opinion article in the July 8, 1998 issue of USA Today in which she referred to Black people losing the vote.  However, the fact is that Black people will not lose the right to vote in 2007, there are only certain sections of the 1965 bill which will expire next year.  Although we should always be concerned about protecting our rights and interests in racist America, we don't need to spread internet hoaxes.

Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibits voting practices or procedures which deny equal access to the electoral process to persons on the basis of race, color, or language minority. Section 2 is permanent and has no expiration date.  Rather than continue to spread false information about "Black people losing the right to vote," check out the facts directly from the US Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division:  www.usdoj.gov/crt/voting/sec_2/about_sec2.html 

Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 will expire in 2007, and this section has to do with
certain voting jurisdictions requiring "preclearance" (approval) before any voting changes
can be made.  These changes include redistricting, changes in polling place locations, changes in
electoral dates, changes in how votes are casts, etc.  Certain voting jurisdictions and counties in
various states need preclearance from (1) the Department of Justice, or (2) the D.C. District
Court.   Section 5 has nothing to do with Black people "losing the right to vote."

[In late 2006, Congress extended Section 5 for an  additional 25 years, until 2031.]
www.usdoj.gov/crt/voting/sec_5/about.htm

Section 5 is the most crucial section which will expire, but the other sections which will expire are 6-9, and 203.  These latter sections concern assisting bilingual voters (203) and having the authority to send in federal observers and appoint examiners to monitor elections (6-9).

[Section 203 has been extended to year 2032].

The facts are clear that voting rights for Black people will *not* expire in '07.  Black people have wasted too much time forwarding these emails that have nothing to do with facts.  This is another example of how the internet has become the no. #1 venue for spreading misinformation.  Check out the many other ridiculous email hoaxes that are circulating around the internet at Truth or Fiction.com www.truthorfiction.com

Lastly, I teach critical thinking classes and a 7-Step Primary Research Methodology Course, and I always remind my students that there should be a law against the spread of ignorance!
http://manuampim.com/7Step_course.htm

Advancing the work,
Prof. Manu Ampim
Director
Advancing The Research
PO Box 18623
Oakland, CA 94619
510-482-5791

Profmanu[at]acninc.net

Sent: Wednesday, May 03, 2006 10:24 PM Subject: Right To Vote speech By Camille Cosby...... VERY IMPORTANT PLEASE READ!!!!   Voting Rights Act-Expires for blacks in 2007  Below you will find a speech that Bill Cosby's wife gave at a function. Everyone please read this and pass it on to as many African Americans you come in contact with.  Camille Cosby just made a reference about the Voting Rights Act in her most recent open letter on racism. This is extremely important.  

We are in the 21st Century and we were wondering, and when I say 'we', I mean others of us out there who wonder if everyone else out there knows what the significance of the year 2007 is to Black America?   Did you know that our right to VOTE will expire in the year  2007? Seriously! The Voters Rights Act signed in 1965 by Lyndon B. Johnson was just an ACT. It was not made a law.   In 1982, Ronald Reagan amended the Voters Rights Act for another 25 years. Which means that in the year 2007 we could lose the Right to vote!  

Does anyone realize that African Americans are the only group of people who require PERMISSION under the United States Constitution to vote! In the year 2007, Congress will once again convene to decide whether or not Blacks should retain the rights   to vote (crazy but true).   In order for this to be passed, 38 states will have to approve an extension. This is ludicrous! Not only should the extension be  approved, but also the ACT

must be made a law. Our right to vote should no longer be up for discussion, review and/or evaluation.  

We must contact our Congress-persons, Senators, Alderpersons, etc., to put a stop to this! As bona fide Citizens of the United States , we cannot "drop the ball" on this one! We have come too far to let government make us take such a huge step backward. So please, let us push forward to continue to build the momentum towards gaining equality.   Please pass this onto others, as we are sure that many more individuals are not aware of this. I urge all of you that are able, to contact those in government that have your vote and make them aware of our combined concern for this issue.  

One voice!.. One Vote! You cannot complain, if you do not participate.....local, State, & national..... When I received this one I had no choice but to pass it on.   Please do the same.