Ernie Chambers
Senator Ernest W. Chambers | |
|---|---|
| File:Ernie-Chambers.jpg Picture of Ernie Chambers | |
| Member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 11th district | |
| In office 1971–2009 | |
| Preceded by | George Althouse |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 10, 1937 Omaha, Nebraska |
| Political party | Independent |
| Residence | Omaha |
| Alma mater | Creighton University School of Law |
| Occupation | Barber |
Ernest (Ernie) W. Chambers (born July 10, 1937) is a Nebraska state legislator. He represents the North Omaha neighborhood of Omaha in the Nebraska Legislature. The longest-serving member of the Legislature, Chambers is considered one of its most controversial and colorful members, known for his long filibuster speeches on the Legislature floor.
Chambers is a civil rights leader in Omaha's black community, and widely-regarded as Nebraska's most prominent and outspoken black leader. He has been characterized by national media as "the Maverick of Omaha," the "angriest black man in Nebraska," and the "defender of the downtrodden".[1]
Life
The maverick of Omaha. - Mother Jones
Ernie Chambers is a lifetime Omaha resident. He is a graduate of Omaha Central High School and Creighton University School of Law; however he is not a member of the bar and does not practice law. Chambers was a young barber when he first appeared in the Oscar-nominated 1966 documentary film A Time for Burning. During this period he emerged as a prominent leader in the North Omaha community, as illustrated in his instrumental role during the 1966 riots, when he successfully negotiated concessions from the city's leaders on behalf of African American young people.[2]
First elected to the Nebraska Legislature's 11th District in 1970, he was most recently reelected in 2004. On April 25, 2005, Chambers became the longest-serving state senator in the Legislature's history, with more than 37 years to his name.[3] A constitutional amendment passed in 2000 limits Nebraska state legislators to two four-year terms. Because of this, Chambers will not be allowed to seek reelection in 2008.
Chambers was the New Alliance Party candidate for the United States Senate in 1988.[4]. He petitioned to be included on the ballot for Nebraska Governor in 1974[5], and ran for Nebraska Governor in 1994, receiving 0.44% of the vote.
He hosts a weekly call-in public access television show on Omaha Cox Channel 22. A non-drinker and non-smoker, he commonly wears a black or blue T-shirt and denim jeans in legislative sessions, rather than a suit.
Legislative service
America is basically a hypocritical society and recognizes that hypocrisy is found throughout. The public doesn’t look for politicians to tell the truth or to deliver on their promises... Politicians know this. Even when the public seems to be upset, the politicians know if they can put on a brave face and ride it out, they generally will. - Ernie Chambers[1]
Chambers' frequent use of legislative rules and filibusters to block proposals he opposes has caused friction with some of his colleagues in the Legislature.
After being first elected to the Legislature in 1970, then re-elected in 1972, 1976, 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004, it has been suggested by opponents of legislative term limits that a 2000 amendment limiting senators to two four-year terms had been conceived largely to force him out.[6]
A self-professed "defender of the downtrodden," Chambers is known for liberal policies: He is a firm opponent of the death penalty, and introduces a bill to repeal Nebraska's capital punishment law at the start of each legislative session. It remains one of his primary goals while in office. Chambers has also long advocated on behalf of David Rice and Ed Poindexter, who were convicted of the murder of an Omaha police officer, but whom Amnesty International considers political prisoners. Chambers also long pushed to recognize University of Nebraska student athletes as state employees, due to all of the benefits of those jobs. However, his push was eventually thwarted by state legislators and the governor as it was revealed that acknowledging student athletes as employees would jeopardize the University's NCAA standings.[7]
He has also clashed with fellow senators over issues of concern to rural Nebraskans, such as a bill requiring landowners to manage the population of black-tailed prairie dogs on their property, and a proposed constitutional amendment to preserve the right to fish, trap and hunt in the state. (Chambers described the latter measure as one of the most "asinine, simple-minded pieces of trash" ever to be considered by the legislature.)[8]
Chambers prides himself on his independence. In 2004, he co-wrote an opinion piece with U.S. Rep. Tom Osborne opposing a set of initiatives that would allow casino gambling and slot machines in Nebraska.[9] Chambers has also decried the state's ethanol incentive programs as "a boondoggle".[10]
"Franklin Coverup"
According to the December 15, 1989 New York Times, Chambers came forward with reports of "boys and girls, some of them from foster homes, who had been transported around the country by airplane to provide sexual favors, for which they were rewarded." Investigating what became known as the Franklin Coverup Hoax, a Nebraska grand jury was convened to investigate the allegations and possibly return indictments, but eventually ruled that the entire matter was "a carefully crafted hoax." [11]
2006 Omaha Public Schools controversy
In April 2006, Chambers introduced an amendment to a bill (LB 1024) that would divide the Omaha Public Schools district into three different districts. Supporters say this would help provide more localized control for African Americans and Hispanics. This issue has divided the state. Chambers states that the issue has "thrown white people into a tizzy." The bill has received national attention and critics refer to it as "state-sponsored segregation"[12].
In the spring of 2006, Chambers withdrew support from two tax incentive bills which would have provided funding for Omaha and Lincoln civic building projects. Chambers claimed that he withdrew support because he felt personally insulted by recent criticisms of LB 1024 and by the Omaha City Council's refusal to name a North Omaha park after him.[13]
A bill passed in 2007 repealed LB 1024, restored pre-2006 Omaha-area school district boundaries, and created a "learning community" to equalize student achievement in Douglas and Sarpy counties.
Chambers sues God
On September 14, 2007, Chambers filed a lawsuit against God, seeking a permanent injunction ordering God to "cease certain harmful activities and the making of terroristic threats"[14]. Chambers filed the lawsuit to in response to another lawsuit he considers to be frivolous and inappropriate.[15]
Legacy
The apartment complex originally called Strehlow Terrace waws renamed the Ernie Chambers Court in the 1990s.[16]
See also
References
- ^ a b Beckel, M. (2006) The Maverick of Omaha. Interview: Sen. Ernie Chambers talks race and politics. Mother Jones. January 5, 2006
- ^ (n.d.)History 313: Manual - Chapter 9: Black Omaha: From Non-Violence to Black Power. University of Washington.
- ^ Associated Press (Apr 25, 2005). "For the Record". Retrieved 2006-05-24.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: year (link) - ^ Peake, L. (1988) A Queer Alliance Gay Community News/Radical America. Retrieved 5/2/07.
- ^ (nd) RG002 Nebraska Secretary of State (& film). State of Nebraska. See "B.47 1960-1974 Petitions RMA1054".
- ^ Associated Press (Mar 26, 2006). "Impact of term limits on state's unicameral government feared". Retrieved 2006-05-24.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: year (link) - ^ (1991) Sports People; Financial-Aid Bill New York Times. 2/24/91. Retrieved 5/2/07.
- ^ Lincoln Journal Star (Mar 3, 2005). "Chambers takes aim at hunting measure". Retrieved 2006-05-24.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: year (link) - ^ Ernie Chambers and Tom Osborne (Jul 1, 2004). "Damage from casinos would be long lasting (PDF)" (PDF). Retrieved 2006-05-24.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: year (link) - ^ Lincoln Journal Star (Apr 6, 2004). "Ethanol fund gap divides senators". Retrieved 2006-05-24.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: year (link) - ^ Franklin coverup scandal newspaper scans, TheLawParty.org
- ^ The New York Times (Apr 15, 2006). "Law to Segregate Omaha Schools Divides Nebraska". Retrieved 2006-05-24.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: year (link) - ^ Lincoln Journal Star (2006-04-12). "Bill that would aid Lincoln arena is dead". Retrieved 2006-05-24.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ MSNBC (2007-09-17). "State Senator Ernie Chambers Sues God". Retrieved 2007-09-17.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Nate Jenkins (2007-09-17). "Chambers sues God in protest of another lawsuit". Associated Press. Retrieved 2007-09-18.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ (nd) Chambers Court: Building to receive millions in renovations. WOWT.com. Retrieved 6/4/07.