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Are African-Americans Black Enough or Anglo Americans Too White?

copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

This year, perhaps more than any time in the past, Americans are reminded of race relations each and every day. On televisions, on the radio, airwaves are filled with talk of the current Presidential campaign. For the first time in this nation's history, a viable Presidential hopeful is not a white. Barack Obama is a Black man; he is profound and has purpose. Early on, Anglo Americans, and even some people of color, wondered if Obama authentically represented African-Americans. Countless inquired of Obama's experience, not in Congress, but in the ghettos of this country. The prominent periodical, Time Magazine, published a cover story titled, "Is Obama Black Enough? As Sociologists assess, there is reason to believe another question is apt, "Are Caucasians white enough, or are they too white to understand the Black experience?"

Bush Aide Blocks Global Health Report

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

A Bush Aide, William R. Steiger, blocked a report. The Global Health Draft 2006 was rejected. It was not released because the research was deemed politically incorrect. This study detailed a correlation between poverty and poor health worldwide. Steiger realized this information might hurt the Administration, or hinder the Bush Cheney cause. Thus, this man helped to hide what might harm the "right" agenda.

School Diversity Segregates Some. Divided Neighborhoods Isolate All

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

Today, I was reminded of how deeply divided this nation is. I read School Diversity Based on Income Segregates Some. I discovered in an attempt to offer equal opportunities, indeed, schools discovered discrimination remained a dominant force. School Boards, Administrators, and the community-at-large concluded educational institutions would be more diverse if learners were assigned to schools based on family incomes. A plan was introduced and implemented. The outcome was mixed; however, the pupil populations were less so. Some races, colors, and creeds were abundant within a given institution; others were not well represented.

Clinton Speaks of Civil Rights, Voting Rights, Not of War

© copyright 2007 Betsy L. Angert

Dearest Hillary . . .

Your speech at the First Baptist Church in Selma, Alabama moved me. The words, as written are glorious. I cried as I listened to the sentiments; "It matters." Yet, I am conflicted. The issues you mentioned are important. I trust you care for your countrymen and women. Those of color are no less significant to you than their white counterparts are. I believe you too work to defend the rights of the impoverished. Still, I struggle. I have done so for days. I meant to share my thoughts with you alone, for Hillary, you were the object of my renewed realization. However, finally, I recognized that I am not equating your contrary views to a personal biased bigotry. I am speaking to all Americans that think combat cures all or any ills. Thus, I publish this treatise, a letter to you, or perchance to all of us. I offer possibilities, probabilities that we all might wish to contemplate.

Are Stepparents Real Parents? Are Biological Parents Best?

© copyright 2007 Betsy L. Angert

More than a month ago, I began writing this treatise. The significance of stepparents and adopted parents was on my mind. Gerald R. Ford had passed and there was ample discussion of his heritage. Gerald Rudolff Ford Senior did not father his son in a biological sense. Still, the elder Ford was Daddy. Jerry Ford spoke of his father often and how significant he was in the his life. The elder Ford raised his son as any parent would, even though he was actually a stepparent. Ford, the President was not adopted until he in his twenties. At that age, an adoption was perhaps a gesture; after all Jerry Ford was legally an adult. Gerald R. Ford Junior wanted to honor his father or the man that, young Jerry truly felt was Daddy.

I too was fathered by a man not my biological match. For years, this gentle human choose to relate to me as if I was his own offspring. Legally, we had no connection. Let us call him "Adam," was my stepparent. Yet, this soft-spoken man was my Dad. Long before I could, with permission from the government, call him Daddy he nurtured my heart, mind, and spirit. I too am adopted; my adoption was long in coming. For years my biological father, perchance, we can title him Michael, refused to give his permission. In some states, possibly all, this is necessary. As I listened to President Ford's history, I thought of how it mirrored my own.

Schools Deteriorate. Children and Teachers Suffer. ©

Recently, communities are more actively speaking of the future. They are expressing their concerns for what we as a society have accepted. Mostly the focus is on the war in Iraq. Corruption in Congress can consume us for weeks at a time. When chatting in cyberspace, Americans touch on issues such as the economy, healthcare, and Social Security. These all qualify as vital when discussing our distresses.

However rarely, do we discuss the situation in the schools. We dance around and dialogue some; we speak of students and state there is a need to promote success. At times, educators, and even the greater community consider the topics of "standards," "teaching to the test," and "accountability." Still, these issues stay on the periphery; those in power tie our purse strings. Thus, we capitulate; we yield to their unwitting wisdom. As sad as this may be, we do little or less to better the educational opportunities for our offspring. It may be sadder still that we house our healthy students in decomposing buildings.

Death Tax Keeps The Wealthy Rich. With Increased Wages, Poor Lose ©

Update: The Bill did not pass. Nevertheless, the games are expected to resume soon.
I recently read an article in the New York Times titled, “The Rise of the Super-Rich.” Journalist Teresa Tritich reports, under the auspices of a Compassionately Conservative Administration even the affluent are not doing well. She states that the axiom, “The rich are getting richer, while the poor are getting poorer,” is no longer completely accurate. Currently, the super-rich, the upper crust is profiting; all others are left behind.

As I read this information, I was reminded of a two-pronged topic that I think needs discussing, “Abundance and Scarcity.” Apparently, there is a belief amongst Americans, that there is only so much wealth to go around. We must divide what there is. Some will prosper and the others must suffer. I think this notion contrary, as does the natural world.

Mother nature does not deplete her resources; she regularly replenishes these. On occasion, there are circumstances that seem contrary. Droughts, a horde of locust, or a spontaneous fire might reduce the wealth within the ecosystem temporarily. However, these occurrences serve to protect nature. They restore the environment. Nature returns to its balance. Only man makes long-term deficits, imbalances. While shortage need not be, man continues to actively create these. Please consider the passage of a convoluted Bill that boosts the minimum wage while leaving low-wage workers with less.