All across this Country in places like Chicago, in San Francisco, Philadelphia, in Atlanta and along the Bayou people will no longer be denied this Country's promise of equal opportunity under law.
As we now know, neither state mottos, nor public relations campaigns, nor apologies which come too late, will quiet the outrage of people who have been denied their humanity.
Nor will people turn the other cheek when Federal Laws are disregarded for some while other citizens are held accountable for their actions or penalized for contrived offenses.
In the Fergusons across this great Nation, self-interest has been revealed for the corruption it nourishes.
No longer is it acceptable to offer less than worthy education in one public school while others thrive.
No longer is it acceptable to look the other way when sensibl gun control laws are killed as killings go on daily in schools, on our streets and in all public places.
No longer is it acceptable to allow great disparity between wages earned for a day's work and wages,
calculated on sophisticated, often little understood formulas for financial gain.
The people of Ferguson seek recognition of their humanity by the police, by the courts and by Law.
They are along with others marching across this nation for the justice we all speak about and now wish to claim.
No longer is it acceptable to obstruct the right to vote with political manipulation of wards, districts, zip codes or with arbitrary borders.
They and we will reclaim fair and just representation by voting for those who do and those who will represent us honestly and fairly to improve the quality of our lives and the lives of those who follow.
This then, is what people across this country will vote to do in midterm elections.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Sunday, September 7, 2014
WELCOME TO MISS0URI ERIC HOLDER!
Welcome to Missouri Eric Holder! I write as a citizen of the United States of America and a resident of Missouri.
When you came here a few weeks ago I was impressed with your bravery in the face of disorder and in the way you listened to our concerns. Now, I am gratified with the direction you have taken to sort out the events here and in other Fergusons throughout the country.
Here in Missouri, our legislature will reconvene in just a few days. At this meting our elected representatives will attempt to overturn the Governor's vetoes of questionable Bills passed by the legislature that appeared to be unconstitutional.
I know that as a voter, my responsibility is to contact my legislators to uphold the Governor's vetoes which I have done. But in light of what we have witnessed in the Fergusons throughout our country, I wondered how we can so easily explain away the disregard for Federal Law by our legislators?
I know that the task in front of you and us is not an easy one. It is not easy to realize that each of us, voters, elected officials communities, and nations alike make mistakes or have prejudices, much less to try to overcome and correct them fairly.
I still believe in the vast majority of the people in this country and in the state of Missouri. I believe in the pride and quest for opportunity that each of us have even as we are embarrassed by revelations that we are less than we would like to be. I believe in you, Eric Holder and Justice.
I wish you and the men and women who represent you here and around the country well. May we come to know each other in better times.
When you came here a few weeks ago I was impressed with your bravery in the face of disorder and in the way you listened to our concerns. Now, I am gratified with the direction you have taken to sort out the events here and in other Fergusons throughout the country.
Here in Missouri, our legislature will reconvene in just a few days. At this meting our elected representatives will attempt to overturn the Governor's vetoes of questionable Bills passed by the legislature that appeared to be unconstitutional.
I know that as a voter, my responsibility is to contact my legislators to uphold the Governor's vetoes which I have done. But in light of what we have witnessed in the Fergusons throughout our country, I wondered how we can so easily explain away the disregard for Federal Law by our legislators?
I know that the task in front of you and us is not an easy one. It is not easy to realize that each of us, voters, elected officials communities, and nations alike make mistakes or have prejudices, much less to try to overcome and correct them fairly.
I still believe in the vast majority of the people in this country and in the state of Missouri. I believe in the pride and quest for opportunity that each of us have even as we are embarrassed by revelations that we are less than we would like to be. I believe in you, Eric Holder and Justice.
I wish you and the men and women who represent you here and around the country well. May we come to know each other in better times.
Monday, September 1, 2014
"IF WE CAN MAKE IT IN CAMDEN, WE CAN...."
After reading the account of what has happened in Camden, New Jersey by Kate Zernike in the New York Times (September 1), I was encouraged that America's Fergusons can be turned around.
I last passed through Camden about five years ago on my way to the shore. It was not a place that one stopped to ask directions.Properties and the overall city had fallen into total disrepair.
Camden is located on the banks of the Delaware River directly across from Philadelphia. At one time it was the headquarters for some of America's largest industries, RCA Victor being one.
Its down town boasted long standing, well known shops and a few chain stores. Ferries brought workers to work from downtown Philadelphia. On Sundays, families came there with cars filled with children who were thrilled because the cars were able to drive onto the Ferry and take them across the Delaware River.
The Walt Whitman Hotel stood as a proud mark of the importance the City gave to the partnership between education, business and the poetry of the famous writer. Much of what I have just described was obliterated in the late 60s.
Camden became over run with crime, drugs, murder, and prostitution about which corrupt politicians and the police did little. Efforts were made to revitalize the City by bringing in entertainment venues but only a small handful of citizens were really participating in the political process.
In the 80s small communities near Camden like Pennsauken rallied citizens to help bridge the services of stable suburban communities with the needs of City residents. Much of this effort was began by volunteers and religious congregations and a new Chief of Police who ordered his police force out of police cars and onto bicycles and to "walk" the neighborhoods.
I do not know the full, current story of Camden, New Jersey. I do know that without the commitment and leadership of citizens, elected officials and public servants living in and around Camden the turn around would have been impossible.
Whether or not these changes will last is anybody's guess. But the changes already made in Camden gives me hope for the future of many of America's Fergusons because of the how successful people and police and laws can be in bringing stability to a dispirited community.
I last passed through Camden about five years ago on my way to the shore. It was not a place that one stopped to ask directions.Properties and the overall city had fallen into total disrepair.
Camden is located on the banks of the Delaware River directly across from Philadelphia. At one time it was the headquarters for some of America's largest industries, RCA Victor being one.
Its down town boasted long standing, well known shops and a few chain stores. Ferries brought workers to work from downtown Philadelphia. On Sundays, families came there with cars filled with children who were thrilled because the cars were able to drive onto the Ferry and take them across the Delaware River.
The Walt Whitman Hotel stood as a proud mark of the importance the City gave to the partnership between education, business and the poetry of the famous writer. Much of what I have just described was obliterated in the late 60s.
Camden became over run with crime, drugs, murder, and prostitution about which corrupt politicians and the police did little. Efforts were made to revitalize the City by bringing in entertainment venues but only a small handful of citizens were really participating in the political process.
In the 80s small communities near Camden like Pennsauken rallied citizens to help bridge the services of stable suburban communities with the needs of City residents. Much of this effort was began by volunteers and religious congregations and a new Chief of Police who ordered his police force out of police cars and onto bicycles and to "walk" the neighborhoods.
I do not know the full, current story of Camden, New Jersey. I do know that without the commitment and leadership of citizens, elected officials and public servants living in and around Camden the turn around would have been impossible.
Whether or not these changes will last is anybody's guess. But the changes already made in Camden gives me hope for the future of many of America's Fergusons because of the how successful people and police and laws can be in bringing stability to a dispirited community.
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