'We do have a strong voice'
Black female officials tackle social issues
Black female officials tackle social issues
The Post and Courier
Rep. Lucille Whipper
Andy Paras
Colleton County Clerk of Court Patricia C. Grant
Lou Krasky/AP
Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, D-Orangeburg
COLUMBIA — The influence of the state's black women in elected office has been called a sleeping giant that will prove to be a powerful force in conquering social ills.
Together the women have put forth a statewide action plan to address health care, economic development and educational issues, and staked out a strategy for leveraging their influence.
"We do have a strong voice," said former state Rep. Lucille Whipper, the only black woman ever to represent Charleston in the Legislature and one of only 13 black female members to serve there.
"When it comes to lobbying for poor, black and low-income people, there's no stronger voice," Whipper said.
Black women, a cornerstone of church and family, are credited with pushing forward social movements by rallying their communities and drawing on their unique perspectives.
About 85 of the black women in elected office assembled to outline a statewide action plan to address health care, economic development and educational issues during the first-of-its-kind Circle of Influence Leadership Summit held earlier this month.
The women crafted 14 strategies to deal with problems they agreed permeate the state, said Wendy Brawley, chairwoman of the Richland 1 School Board and publisher of IMARA Woman magazine. The magazine established the Circle of Influence, a series of events aimed at empowering women, in 2006.
Two of the most significant and timely strategies involve calling for the Legislature to raise the state's cigarette tax to expand Medicaid coverage among the poor and educating communities about tax on cigarettes, which is the lowest in the nation. The biggest debate is how to spend the additional revenue.
The Legislative Black Caucus, whose members are all Democrats, also supports raising the tax to help offset health care costs. Many Republicans, though, refuse to support any tax increase, and some don't want to use cigarette tax revenue for recurring expenses because it's a declining revenue source.
The summit attendees also will try to combat what many view as deceptive language used by voucher proponents who advance the idea of using tax dollars toward private school tuition as school choice, Brawley said. Voucher or tax credit opponents say that sort of school choice would damage public schools and stretch already limited resources too far.
The leadership summit was designed to help the women network, disseminate information, share ideas and unite to confront struggles within their communities, Brawley said. The summit will have lasting influence because the women will get behind the issues and mobilize their communities, therefore leveraging their influence as they push for change, she said.
Brawley said the women also would like to establish an African- American Elected Women Leadership Institute as a nonprofit organization devoted to advancing the summit's agenda.
Colleton County Clerk of Court Patricia C. Grant said gathering with peers was empowering. The women built relationships that will provide a network for support and change, she said.
"It was an extra boost to go back to your community and know you're making a difference and know you can make more of a difference," Grant said.
Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, D-Orangeburg, said the experience was moving. She helped organize the summit and many of the attendees view her as a role model.
"It was a great experience for me to be with a group of women who are so dedicated to public service and so thirsty for knowledge," Cobb-Hunter said.
Of the almost 3,000 elected officials in South Carolina, excluding special-purpose district representatives, about 240 are black women. That means black women make up about 8 percent of the state's officeholders; according to the 2000 census, though, they made up nearly 16 percent of the population.
The plan
At the Circle of Influence Leadership Summit, black women in elected office outlined three key areas for confronting pervasive social problems: health care, education and economic development.
Here are a few of the plans:
--Recruit financial support from local businesses for community-based wellness programs such as walking trails, green space and playgrounds.
--Support increasing the state's cigarette tax to expand Medicaid coverage to more children and adults.
--Raise community awareness of the language used by proponents of school choice through private school vouchers and tax credits.
--Back adherence to the state- required African-American history curriculum in public schools.
--Push local governments to annually quantify the assistance given to small and minority-owned businesses.
For more, check out the upcoming issue of IMARA Woman magazine due out on newsstands Jan. 10 or visit www.imarawoman.com.
Reach Yvonne M. Wenger at ywenger@postandcourier.com or 803-799-9051.
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Comments
postman01 (anonymous) says...
Pathetic. These women have LEFT WING beliefs and all of their ideas are stupid and will not change ANYTHING. We've been watching this for decades and we have seen these kinds if ideas UTTERLY fail continuously.
Failing to learn from continuous failure is a sign of LACK OF INTELLIGENCE and a confused and defective belief structure. As long as these people cling to stupid, confused SOCIALIST beliefs, they will continue to be comparatively poor and stupid compared to the population overall.
The best example is their BLATHER about school vouchers. Apparently, they are incapable of grasping the following: The schools they attend are inferior. This is true precisely because the schools they attend are public and these public schools are made inferior by the politics they stupidly embrace. Because these schools are MADE INFERIOR by a system that is absurd because its premises are SOCIALISTIC, young blacks mostly receive an inferior education, thus falling well short of their genetic potential and winding up massively cheated for life by left wing stupidity. Therefore, they can not compete FOR LIFE with those who are well educated from childhood and are also inculcated in the obviously GROSSLY confused belief structure that IMPAIRED their intelligence and knowledge to begin with. Thus, this problem PERPETUATES from generation to generation and therefore we can count on reading articles like this one for year after boring year for the rest of our lives.
The guaranteed reponse of the pitifully confused mentality I am effortlessly dissecting: Denials, uncalled for accusations of racism, and RETARDED nonsense re eduacation about "raising community awareness of the language used by proponents of school vouchers and tax credits".
Thus, in their utter stupidity, they are expecting people whose ability to think criticially has been badly impaired by LOUSY PUBLIC SCHOOL education to do something they can not do--grasp this issue correctly and REJECT the idiotic beliefs and corresponding stupid behavior that is the ONE AND ONLY cause of all the problems they "care" about so much in the first place.
I can not think of a better illustration of hopelessness and I feel bad for all the people born into this abject stupidity. Massively cheating people and then constantly lying about it is the HALLMARK of the entire thinking and functioning of these people and we need to confront this idiocy head on instead of humoring the ignorant, confused, and stupid, regardless of their supposedly good intentions.
As this illustrates, the road to hell is paved with good intentions and my response in advance to the low IQ accusation of "racism" that is a very likely response to my correct assessment is to demand the explanation of these "black females" for all the blacks who have escaped this kind of absurdity and are thus Lawyers, Doctors and even a credible candidate for President!
December 31, 2007 at 7:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AGW2779 (anonymous) says...
First of all the comments that were made about the educational system here in South Carolina has been bad since the 16th century when the founding fathers came from England. So this is not a new phenomenon because South Carolina's educational system has always been bad and will continue to be very bad. South Carolina is about 40 to 50 years from every being on top when it comes down to educational. However, i fault the leaders of this state in some aspect for not at least improving education. Again the educational system has always been bad throughout the south historically. As for that comment Mr postman made about black being inferior in school i somewhat agree with him on that because the school system is still segergated and parents in poor performing school probably do not care about how their children learn period. As for these black legislators to me they are not doing nothing for black South Carolinians because they do not have that much power in Columbia rather they are marginalized which means with the Republican Party being in power they could not get legislation to go through the house or senate anyway even though, they are elected. Finally the problem with South Carolina politics is that people who are in power still believe in the good old boy network and are not progressive period so in order for change you need younger or progressive politicians who are willing to make a change in South Carolina because these three old dinosaurs are not going to do it anytime soon.
December 31, 2007 at 8:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
greyrider (anonymous) says...
ALL voices should be HEARD. However, when deciding whose plans to implement to solve society's problems, it would be wrong to ignore what these women say JUST because they are black women. But it would also be wrong to say their plans should be implemented JUST because they are black women. We can only hope and pray that when our elected leaders get together, they show humility and weigh all ideas equally and decide which to implement based SOLEY on merit.
December 31, 2007 at 8:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
EARLY! We must all be equal. And equal means when the blacks get MORE THAN any other group, no matter what. I see where POSTMAN is coming from, these ladies only want more, more of this, more of that, etc. Their belief, as is rampant in the black community, is that it's the governments responsibility to take care of them, no matter the cost. It's great to see african american women in office and involved but how about tackle the bigger issues. Your young men and crime, and un-wed teenage pregnancy, dependency on the welfare system. These are issues that need your attention.
December 31, 2007 at 8:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
postman01 (anonymous) says...
I find the responses criticizing me--which of course I correctly predicted--to be every bit as predictable and saddening as I expected.
This is why I know this problem is here for the rest of our lives. Being unable to think outside the box is not good.
By the way, I do not live under a rock and I feel sorry for the limited mentality that suggests otherwise.
December 31, 2007 at 9 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AGW2779 (anonymous) says...
The last comment made no sense first of all as regard to welfare let get this straight White Americans received more Welfare, food stamp, and medicaid than black and Hispanics combine together. the reason i said this is because throughout history white Americans from the New Deal and now received the most social benefits. It was during the late 1960s that black Americans started relying on the welfare system with the thank to the White liberal establishment.I am sick and tired of narrow minded people think that all black lay around and have baby because that is not the case all the time there are very intelligent and positive black Americans like myself who work and have a education and not rely on welfare or food stamps period. And if that is the case tell that to other white people who are benefiting from the system as well.
December 31, 2007 at 9:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
greyrider (anonymous) says...
South Carolina's rank within the American public school system is irrelevant. The ENTIRE American public school system is a disaster. Whoever is 1-2-3 every year is still way below where we should be. It's like criticizing the back-up quarterback on a last place team. The whole team is terrible. And ALL of America's public school system is a joke, and a bad one. And I don't see it going away. We need a President to have the guts to slash FEDERAL spending on Education to ZERO, abolish the FEDERAL Department of Education and turn it all over to the State Governments. Personally, I think Columbia has gotten to the point of looking to Washington too much and THAT'S why SC lags behind. Just a thought.
December 31, 2007 at 9:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Reader (anonymous) says...
I can't fault a lot of what Postman01 tries to say, but I wish he (and a lot of posters on these boards on hot-button issues) would stop with the name-calling and focus on the issues. I really wonder whether Postman would say things like this to Rep. Cobb-Hunter if he were in the same room speaking to her:
"their ideas are stupid"
"a sign of LACK OF INTELLIGENCE"
"cling to stupid, confused SOCIALIST beliefs"
"continue to be comparatively poor and stupid"
"their BLATHER"
"politics they stupidly embrace"
"by left wing stupidity"
"pitifully confused mentality"
"RETARDED nonsense"
"their utter stupidity"
"idiotic beliefs and corresponding stupid behavior"
"this abject stupidity"
"this idiocy"
"ignorant, confused, and stupid"
"low IQ"
December 31, 2007 at 9:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Edwin435 (anonymous) says...
Can anyone tell he how this - --Back adherence to the state- required African-American history curriculum in public schools._ is going to help those who consistently fail to read write and do math? I say we focus on that and then branch into science, real world teachings ( credit, loans, banking, and general life events that these kids know nothing of) Then we can address history. How many of you are appalled that alot of these kids don't know our countries history much less world history? Most kids come out of school barely equipped to survive much less thrive. Focus on the 3 important ares. Reading Writing and Arithmetic.... the rest will follow !
December 31, 2007 at 9:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
beespencer (anonymous) says...
The only time I see Postman is when race and/or women are the subject of the article
December 31, 2007 at 9:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Chief_SittingBull (anonymous) says...
John Q, I agree with you. All it takes is an article about a Black person or people to get the idiots roaring. When things are going wrong in the community, you are the same people who call on those you have dubbed "black leaders." Now, Black women in the community and state have developed plans and goals which they would like to see implemented in the community, state and perhaps the country, and it too is a problem.
Since there are many of you who believe that the Black race is the " armpit" of America, it is really senseless that you have issues with anything that is said or done to empower and assist "black and low income people." If you read the article you would see the focus is on "black AND low income people."
When whites or the government assists blacks, blacks are lazy losers; when blacks, private citizens or public officials, assist other blacks they are racists:get a grip people.
"How about an all inclusive American History curiculum teaching children about the contributions of anybody who made a contribution, regardless of race???"
Where were you educated? What did you learned about Black people when you were in school? There must have been a great deal of black history in your school's 'curiculum.' Please do not reference the page in your history book about Martin Luther King.
An all inclusive America is something most Blacks and other minorities have desired forever. The reality is, however, blacks and other minorities are viewed as less "American" than those of European decent regardless to their contributions to this country.
December 31, 2007 at 9:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
coldbeer, don't apologize they DO abuse social programs! That's why they're dependent on the government for their very lives! Do I need to provide examples. It's not a white and black thing but as EARLY posted above, what if this was a story about white legislators asking for more money for the examples he gave? It's just this article pointed out the "MORES" these black legislators are asking for to give back to their constituents. And guess what, when you take from one so you can give back to others that IS SOCIALISM! See FRANCE! And if that's what you want then move to FRANCE. The USA is a Republic, look up the difference! AGW2779 call it like it is, the democrats started welfare.
December 31, 2007 at 9:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DCartisan (anonymous) says...
Under Democrat control, our educational system sucked. Under Republican control, our system sucked. Under the brightest minds in Columbia we still rank at or near the bottom in education. Maybe some of these highly intelligent posters like the POSTMAN should get elected to an office and instead of shooting down everything anyone tries maybe he could turn this ship around.
Isn't it easier to just sit at a computer and offer no solutions but call everyone who does unintelligent. The power of the World Wide Web...
December 31, 2007 at 9:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Reader (anonymous) says...
Moonpie wrote, "And guess what, when you take from one so you can give back to others that IS SOCIALISM! See FRANCE! And if that's what you want then move to FRANCE. The USA is a Republic, look up the difference!"
Socialism is an economic theory. Republicanism is a government structure. They are not mutually exclusive. In fact, France is a republic too, not just the USA.
December 31, 2007 at 10:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Chief_SittingBull (anonymous) says...
Early,
I am no different from you in my comments...Oh, except I don't say mean and hateful things about Blacks. I have been follwing you as well. Do you need a cut and paste reminder of some of the comments you have made? You are far from a person who desires unity among the races. I noticed how you have become a softer nicer Early, oh, around the time Frank O. Hunt was exposed. So, I wonder who YOU are as well. To answer your question, I am interested in other articles so I will be seeing you around pal.
Pleased to make your online "acquaintance."
December 31, 2007 at 10:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Chief_SittingBull (anonymous) says...
Is that the best you could do Coldbeer?
Here is your mistake, "If you pay no attention to your childs education..."
Try "child's" the possessive not the plural...anyone can have a slip of the keys at any time-even a genius like you. Now that's "Frickin' hilarious :)"
You didn't quite like it when your mistakes were pointed out by another poster last week...
December 31, 2007 at 10:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
datadiva (anonymous) says...
Early!!! THANK YOU!
I've been trying to get people here to realize that the newspapers up North don't EVER publish drivel like this!!
FINALLY - someone else gets it! I wish The Post and Courier would take lessons from The Boston Globe
http://www.boston.com - see for yourselves!! Responsible Reporting at it's FINEST!!!
December 31, 2007 at 10:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
miki (anonymous) says...
Having a strong voice isn't enough. You have to actually use it. So for those aspiring to be like these woman, remember to use your outside voice.
December 31, 2007 at 10:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Chief_SittingBull (anonymous) says...
Ohhhhhhhhhhhh,
Not a temper tantrum, Early. That is so unbecoming especially for a man. The assumption is since I do not agree with you I am automatically a black man. In your opinion, I am someone you have debated with before:believe what you want.
Most importantly and seriously, I do not, never have and never will post threats to anyone or anyone's family. I am sorry someone did that to you and more sorry you think it is me, but I have no need or desire to do anything that low. I have a family also and I am as passionate about mine as you are yours. Anyone who threatens a man and his family is a coward.
For a person with such big opinions about everything, you don't do a good job of intelligently and astutely debating your way out of situations. You should work on that.
December 31, 2007 at 10:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DanniD (anonymous) says...
I think this article should have focused on what the "women" are trying to do, and not what the "black women" are trying to do. Who cares what color they are? The fact that we spend so much time worrying about race and color, is because people continue to make a big deal about it.
When white females try to do something, the article does not read "Caucasian female officials tackle social issues".
It is 2008, get over it already. We should be focusing on much more important things other than race or color.
December 31, 2007 at 10:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
datadiva (anonymous) says...
YAY!! Thank you DanniD!
I'm so happy today that people are finally getting what I've been trying to point out these last few months!
Now, let's hope everyone doesn't change their tune when the P&C posts "Hispanic Man Killed..." rather than "Man Killed..."
Who cares what nationality/race/ethnicity a person is - that shouldn't factor into the equation when REPORTING a story - regardless of whether or not it is a good story or a bad one!
Maybe 2008 will be a year of equality in reporting?? Am I hoping for too much??
December 31, 2007 at 10:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KidYendor (anonymous) says...
Gilda's Girls are just another black segregationist welfare group. Their mission is to spend cigarette money to expand Medicaid, stop school choice, have government subsidies to minority business, and distort American history with African-American history. You should email your legislators and tell them to combat Gilda's mission of socialist, segregationist liberalism and send one to her to read these comments which highlight our disdain for this sort of anti-white KKKism. All of us are sick of being made to blame for all of the poor, black and low-income people. We are tired of black women who want more power by bringing up this "oh whoa is us" routine. The article says, "Black women, a cornerstone of church and family... ". Oh yeah?
With all the unmarried young mothers walking around in the stores with their carriages, I think the cornerstone is crumbling. We must stop Gilda's Girls in their tracks and any increase in cigarette tax should go to tax relief not black relief.
December 31, 2007 at 10:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
My_50Cents_Worth (anonymous) says...
My opinion is anyone or group who wants to do something that would ultimately lead to the betterment of this country:good on ya.
The racial stories and headlines in the P&C are overwhelming and as long as there is a captive audience it will not end. Let's make a pact in 2008 to bypass this crap and not even bother to comment. While they may be a few who make outrageous and egregious statement, we ALL need not fall prey to the hate and divisiveness that has this country in downward spiral.
Better yet, let's use the pages of the racial issues to discuss our week. Happy New Year to ALL of you. May you be blessed in 2008 and always.
December 31, 2007 at 10:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
datadiva (anonymous) says...
LOVE that idea "50" I'm so in!! Lets also try to comment more on the positive articles as much as possible - those tend to get bypassed completely!!
Happy New Year - Stay Safe Everyone!
From a Native-Northerner who just doesn't "get" all the fireworks hoopla :) I thought fireworks were just for July 4th but, ya learn something new every day huh???
December 31, 2007 at 11:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Mon_Kie (anonymous) says...
In case some readers were not educated in the Charleston County Public School System.
AGW2779 made the following point earlier:
The last comment made no sense. With regard to welfare, let's get this straight, white Americans receive more welfare, food stamps, and Medicaid than black and Hispanics combined together. The reason I say this, is because throughout history white Americans from the New Deal until now have received the most social benefits. It was during the late 1960s that black Americans started relying on the welfare system, thanks to the white liberal establishment.
I am sick and tired of narrow minded people who think that all blacks lie around and have babies, because that is not the case. There are very intelligent and positive black Americans, like myself, who work and have an education and do not rely on welfare or food stamps. There are also white people who are benefiting from the welfare system.
December 31, 2007 at 11:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
postman01 (anonymous) says...
Reader, I understand. The chief value of this forum is the LACK OF DECORUM. Every last quote from me that you posted is technically accurate. I did say them. My characterizations were likewise FACTUALLY AND LOGICALLY CORRECT.
Thus, Reader, this allows me to be BRUTALLY FRANK without making a social gaffe of any kind because we are all anonymous. It is vital to introduce these concepts into discussion in a NON SOCIALLY threatening way because the Human Race needs to go onward and upward and these unpleasant facts have to be dealt with SOMEHOW. They've got to be discussed intelligently and civilly.
WE can only kiss a** so much. There is obviously a problem here of the kind I characterized. The ANONYMITY here is the key to enabling rational analysis of this kind of thing without causing social problems.
In person, I would of course observe social norms because I have common sense and realize that inducing actually hostility between individuals is not a good idea. Nevertheless, we can not play "pretend". The insanity we see EVERYWHERE in the world, including not just US social problems but also the War on Terror, Darfur, and many others are the result of CONFUSED, STUPID THINKING. Since possession of Weapons of Mass Destruction is in the mix, playing "pretend" could be SUICIDAL.
Thus, these ideas must be introduced online because of the preceding. It might interest you to know that I am a Conservative/Libertarian and am not a bought and paid for Republican. However, the human race can't go on forever with an absurd and UNEXPLAINED lodestone around its neck. People like me won't stand for that. Call it what you will. I'll just call it the Spirit of 1776.
December 31, 2007 at 11:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Chief_SittingBull (anonymous) says...
Early,
Do me a favor;let's be friends!
December 31, 2007 at 11:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mountain (anonymous) says...
The ladies do seem to be lost in the 60's. I have listened to Jesse Jackson cry about how unfair the system is for blacks. Meanwhile, he is shaking down corporations for millions by threatening boycotts and gets his son elected to Congress. My question for the ladies is this. You have an exciting, viable candidate for president of Afro-American heritage. Will you support him? In the spirit of full disclosure I will be voting for Ron Paul. If, I had to vote for a democrat it would be Obama.
December 31, 2007 at 11:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
madd_dog2020 (anonymous) says...
All right you racist individual. You all talk about the US social program and the waste it produce. What about all the money that cannot be accounted for in Iraq, and what about the billions of dollars being waste over there? When you racist see a situation you all think you can jump all over, you really show how much crappy people still exist in the south. Why don't you bigot's run for office? Probably won't, because then you cannot hide behind your racist comments, cowards!!! Black history has to be taught, because it's apart of Americas' History. All the history books, which are circulated throughout the school system only mention a few blacks; lord knows they were a lot of blacks who help shape this EQUAL, yeah right, country of ours. Yet, most of these individual's are not mentioned in the US History books. The first comment on this subject doesn't make any sense, if you understood what he was trying to write, then you all are indeed in the same boat; a boat that one day will capsize near a uninhibited island, leaving all you backward individuals stranded, away from all the others that have good and descent intentions.
December 31, 2007 at 1:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Edwin435 (anonymous) says...
I think we need to focus on reading, writing and arithmetic since we fail miserably in these areas. I think that they should study all history but fix whats broken first before focusing on other issues. We have gotten away from the basics. This is not racist this is a simple statement of facts. If we were so good at the basics the rest will come. Whats racist about that? Oh and just another point who were you addressing madd_dog? Was that a blanket statement or were you singling out someone?
December 31, 2007 at 2:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mountain (anonymous) says...
Newt, What's your point? Are you suggesting that harm would come to anyone who said in public what they write in a blog. If so then you are no better than the racists you are crying about.
December 31, 2007 at 4:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
postman01 (anonymous) says...
JohnQ, you've made two posts that attacked me personally without addressing or ackowledging what I am saying. You are not making any salient comment about me whatsoever but rather revealing your laughable shortcomings.
I knew my post would bring out at least one poster like you. Why don't you explain how I predicted your behavior in my first post before you even responded.
December 31, 2007 at 4:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
noradellova (anonymous) says...
a GREAT BIG TISK. TISK. TISK. GOES OUT TO ALL OF YOU.These women have gotten "up off of their apathy", and decided that there are afew social maladies which deserved to be addressed. Why do they perceive them as needed? Probably because no one else, especially, none of you possess the acumen to fully grasp the "issues".
I have encountered fewer grammatical and context errors in works done by third graders, than those which have been presented by all of you, so called, educated persons from South Carolina. To be sure, it is not the fault of the educational system, neither is it the fault or problem of your former teachers, that you are still unable to piece together a constructive sentence or thought.
Little do most of you realize, but you have both highlighted and substantiated the dilemma, which these African American women seek to eradicate. These African American women have addressed and have proposed solutions, which will begin to rectify the pedagogical shortcomings of your children and grandchildren.(obviously, there is scant hope for most of you to improve)
All of you need to get behind efforts like this, instead of coming up with your negative rants about socialism. Complaints do not solve problems, only solutions can fix something which is broken.
It is the effort of every well meaning citizen of these United States to put forth ideas and attitudes, which will remove the pluralism from our actions and programs. Neither Europeans, Africans, Irish, French, Germans,or Jews, started out in this country on equal footing. Everything which either race or ethnic group has achieved, has been the result of sacrafice, hardwork, and in some instances tears. We all have things which we can be proud of, as we all have idiocyrancies which we are not so proud of.
One thing is for sure, even though all of you have become acquainted via cyber space, ( and most of you would not know the other even if you worked together), take it from me, you sound like a bunch of siblings.
Let us all begin to be more sensitive to the wills and needs of our fellow Americans and South Carolinians. We will not improve our lot, if we continue to bicker, find fault, and generalize.
These African American women as I stated earlier, could be attending to other things, but they have gotten up off of their apathy, to improve the lot of the whole.
One final note, as something for all of you to think about and toss around. As Carla Hill pointed out during the Supreme Court confirmation of Clarence Thomas; She said that the problem was not with the fact that Clarence Thomas had committed and offensive (multiple) act against a female, the issue which was being dealt with, was that an African American woman had advanced the allegation.
The fact that ClarenceThomas was confirmed in spite of the transgressions, points to a serious social reality in America. Of course, this begs the inevitable question.?
December 31, 2007 at 6:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
buttercup (anonymous) says...
noradellova WHAT ?????????
December 31, 2007 at 6:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
postman01 (anonymous) says...
Noradellova, there are few things sadder than seeing a well meaning person like you who is capable of expressing himself or herself reasonably well miss the point.
Of course, these women are well intentioned. Yes, they have gotten off their rear ends. The next step is a plan and a system that actually achieves their stated goal.
I am not ranting about socialism. I am recognizing a poorly designed system that can not work. This system has NEVER achieved its stated goals anywhere on Earth and, in many cases, especially the extreme example of COMMUNISM, the result is oppression and lots of dead people, since the death toll resulting from left wing ideologues achieving real power in many nations is over 100,000,000 people.
The preceding paragraph is where these well meaning women fail and that makes the virtues you mentioned OPERATIONALLY MEANINGLESS, which of course means that my criticism of them is correct.
By the way, you're all wrong about Clarence Thomas. He's one of US (Americans who reject socialism in any guise) and that, among many other things, is PRECISELY why he is what he is and also why he's where he is at professionally.
December 31, 2007 at 6:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
outrage (anonymous) says...
Wasn't it Anita Hill?
December 31, 2007 at 6:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
buttercup (anonymous) says...
How did we get off the subject at hand?????????????
December 31, 2007 at 8:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
postman01 (anonymous) says...
It is heartening to see most folks on this thread get the point. The thinking that is constantly thrown at us DOESN'T WORK. This very imprtant realization on the part of many people bodes well for us in the long run. As for the short run....
December 31, 2007 at 10:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
educatormd32 (anonymous) says...
It is really terrible to see that many of the citizens in Charleston, SC still operate under a plantation mentality. What a shame? You people cannot have an intelligent conversation without putting each other down.
January 1, 2008 at 10:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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