When I was a young woman entering the employment offices of NYC in the late 1950s, early "60s, I knew after being hired that I was often breaking the color barrier -- finding myself the only colored girl in the company (the spook who sat by the [elevator] door) or one of two or three light-skinned office workers. Those were the days when the generally lighter ethnic groups hadn't yet replaced us as domestics. Now, as Blacks fill the prisons, we're seeing a cradle to prison pipeline. And it was just reported this morning (Jan. 15) that African children in America have a 50% poverty rate.
So what has changed?
Not much. America and the world are still color struck and racist, refusing to recognize the latest genetic science proving that race is a fiction, a stupid construct. We are one human species that originated in sub-Saharan Africa; our differences are essentially cultural and often political.
If we were to recognize this, we would clearly see that Haitians are among the most vibrant, creatively artistic, socially conscious, courageous and resilient people on the planet earth.
Obama's pledge of assistance
Pres. Obama has pledged $100 million in aide to Haiti days after its worst disaster ever with a climbing death toll of tens of thousands, severe and life-threatening injuries, incalculable suffering, no infrastructure, no food, water, electricity, shelters, or even tents with some three million homeless.
True to form, mainstream pundits are praising Obama's contribution. I was not impressed, so I decided to find out what $100 million will buy, with the help of my assistant, Nedzada.
We discovered that Obama threw a party that cost $50 million more than he's sending to Haiti. Yup! He spent $150 million on his Inaugural Ball. We also learned the following:
Top U.S. Firms are on pace to award $148.85 Billion in payouts for 2009, according to a Wall Street Journal Study. Billions with a B!
You can also buy a Beverly Hills mansion, a yacht, or a painting for more than the relatively meager sum Obama is donating. Obviously, we cannot rely on this government to do the right thing by Haitians in their hour of need. It never has.
So I would implore you to give all you possibly can, making sure you're getting your contribution to the best possible agents for direct assistance to the Haitian people. I know and have confidence that your money would be well spent with Partners in Health (Paul Farmer's organization) and Doctors Without Borders, as well as the Haiti Action Relief Fund here in the Bay Area.
Finally, if you're planning to go to Haiti, I hope you're planning to wear jeans and carry a shovel. Haitians need real help trying to dig out victims who may still be alive, not opportunistic posturing and photo ops.
May the Haitian people turn grief into strength and keep their faith in the people, not governments.
All power to the people.
So what has changed?
Not much. America and the world are still color struck and racist, refusing to recognize the latest genetic science proving that race is a fiction, a stupid construct. We are one human species that originated in sub-Saharan Africa; our differences are essentially cultural and often political.
If we were to recognize this, we would clearly see that Haitians are among the most vibrant, creatively artistic, socially conscious, courageous and resilient people on the planet earth.
Pres. Obama has pledged $100 million in aide to Haiti days after its worst disaster ever with a climbing death toll of tens of thousands, severe and life-threatening injuries, incalculable suffering, no infrastructure, no food, water, electricity, shelters, or even tents with some three million homeless.
True to form, mainstream pundits are praising Obama's contribution. I was not impressed, so I decided to find out what $100 million will buy, with the help of my assistant, Nedzada.
We discovered that Obama threw a party that cost $50 million more than he's sending to Haiti. Yup! He spent $150 million on his Inaugural Ball. We also learned the following:
Top U.S. Firms are on pace to award $148.85 Billion in payouts for 2009, according to a Wall Street Journal Study. Billions with a B!
You can also buy a Beverly Hills mansion, a yacht, or a painting for more than the relatively meager sum Obama is donating. Obviously, we cannot rely on this government to do the right thing by Haitians in their hour of need. It never has.
So I would implore you to give all you possibly can, making sure you're getting your contribution to the best possible agents for direct assistance to the Haitian people. I know and have confidence that your money would be well spent with Partners in Health (Paul Farmer's organization) and Doctors Without Borders, as well as the Haiti Action Relief Fund here in the Bay Area.
Finally, if you're planning to go to Haiti, I hope you're planning to wear jeans and carry a shovel. Haitians need real help trying to dig out victims who may still be alive, not opportunistic posturing and photo ops.
May the Haitian people turn grief into strength and keep their faith in the people, not governments.
All power to the people.
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