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Life in the Fast Lane -- Rising tide lifts all ships? (954 hits)

President Obama answered a question from a BET reporter during his press conference about the disproportionate economic impact that the recession is having on Black people -- particularly Black males. The question was, "What specific programs will you implement to address this crisis?"

His response that the stimulus program and other programs that he has announced are targeted to those who are impacted by the economic crisis, and not the rich. Therefore, those who are disproportionately affected will be disproportionately helped by the steps to improve the economy. In effect, A rising tide will lift all ships -- and more of the ships of those who feel the worse effects.

Do you agree with this? What would you recommend that he do?

Posted By: Roger E Madison Jr
Wednesday, April 29th 2009 at 9:07PM
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Not sure what blacks will receive for our overwhelming support. The majority seem to be OK with the intangible value he presents. I must admit I enjoy watching the President perform in a hostile enviroment. But at some point soon, I will expect him to help us find solutions. For decades, we have watched powerful blacks "play the fence". I DON't want him to be a president for black people ... I just want him to support his constituents ... this is "Politics 101".
Thursday, April 30th 2009 at 11:47AM
Rigo Garcia

Rigo,

What I am seeing is "subtle support" for issues facing Black people. For example, there was $13 billion in the Stimulus Bill for charter schools wo serve Title I families. These families are overwhelmingly Black. And today, the Justice Department announced that they would pusue changing the laws regarding powder and rock cocaine. There has been a lot of damage done to Blacks, but this needs to be changed. I suspect there won't be any pardons.

The extended unemployment payments, and the CHIPS program renewal addresses more poor folks, and we are disproportionately poor.

What this really means is that if we are aggressive in pursuing these programs, we will gain more benefits. The door is open. We need to make sure that the crowd at the front of the pack is made up of Black people.

I suspect we won't see anything directly crafted for "Black men" for example. The push for specific programs must continue to come from the bottom up.
Thursday, April 30th 2009 at 5:44PM
Roger E Madison Jr