Late Review of VP Kamala Harris Hampton University Interview
On September 14, 2023, I watched US Vice President (VPOTUS) Kamala Harris during the first stop in her national "Fight for Our Freedoms College Tour": Hampton University (HU). Hampton U is one of three Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Virginia, and three hours away from her alma mater, Howard University. The conversation was moderated by Terrence J from the classic 106 & Park show. I was not a fan of what I heard in the 42 minute video.
Fight for Our Freedoms College Tour
Let's get the facts out of the way. VP Harris' college tour reportedly focused on "key issues that disproportionately impact young people across the country – from reproductive freedom and gun safety to climate action, voting rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and book bans." The White House statement also stated that she'd "urge attendees to register to vote, use their voice, and stay engaged."
The "Fight for Our Freedoms College Tour" includes HBCUs North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C. A&T) and Atlanta, Georgia based Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, and Morris Brown College. Interdenominational Theological Center is the only ATL HBCU excluded. That's a total of six HBCUs. The official list of stops:
- Hampton University in Hampton, VA on 9/14
- North Carolina A&T in Greensboro, NC on 9/15
- Reading Area Community College in Reading, PA on 9/19
- IBEW Local 743 in Reading, Pa on 9/19
- The Atlanta University Center Consortium (Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, and Morris Brown College) in Atlanta, GA on 9/26
- Florida International University in Miami, FL on 9/28
- The College of Charleston in Charleston, SC on 10/11
- College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas, NV on 10/12
- Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ on 10/17
All live meetings appear to be on the "The White House" YouTube channel. There's an HU meeting transcript on WhiteHouse.gov. This is the only video I watched.
They Don't Really Care About Us Black Americans
I don't recall the VPOTUS saying anything about addressing anti-Black systemic racism. She's Jamaican and Indian, though, so I don't expect her to care about Black Americans' issues. For perspective, Barack Obama is mixed with Black Kenyan (African) and white. Many claim he did far more for Indians (excluding Black Indians) or indigenous people than Black Americans during his terms. What I remember most are her statements about restricting firearms and pushing capitalism.
Gun Violence
To end gun-related deaths, VP Harris wants to pour money into mental health initiatives, ban "assault weapons," enact more red flag laws, and tighten background checks for firearms purchases. None of her points surprised me. They're all inline with narratives mainstream media (MSM) force-feeds us daily. I've already explained the issues with all of these symptoms of bigger problems the US government refuses to address.
Big Brother Surveillance
I did not anticipate VPOTUS talking about satellite technology and electric vehicles (EV), much less supporting improvements to them and increasing their usage. What does this have to do with surveillance and privacy? Smartphones, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and anything else with internet connectivity can share your position with whoever via Global Positioning System (GPS) or IP geolocation (e.g., MaxMind). Many have joked about China but we in the USA have our own "smart cities" with closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras everywhere. The flashing blue light systems with solar panels in retail store parking lots, called "lot cops," have cameras and stuff to stop theft. Then there are the cell phone surveillance devices, also known as "Stingrays," which police departments can use to triangulate the location of a cell phone without contacting the phone service provider.
Electric vehicles are no different. Data can be siphoned via power outlets (powerline networking) and light fidelity (Li-Fi). These cybersecurity challenges are being discussed, along with recommendations to resolve them. But as usual, the society is pushing more for convenient, cutting edge tech without having put enough effort into cybersecurity measures. The first female vice president also mentioned pouring money into climate change.
Yet, we have no money for reparations for Black Americans.
