sep 30 - oct 6 2013

1 www.minorityreporter.net | minorityreporter sep 30 - oct 6 | 2013 www. .net

MINORITYREPORTER
from information to understanding

2 www.minorityreporter.net | sep 30 - oct 6 | 2013

In This Issue:

is a good time to talk about CanCer.

{COVER
PG 8 - 10 Rochesters YWCA Celebrates Housing Expansion and Giving Hope to Women

PerhaPs now

Minority Reporter
Office Address:
282 Hollenbeck Street, Rochester, NY 14621 P.O. Box 26352, Rochester, NY 14626

Mailing Address:

PH: 585-301-4199 Toll-free: 1-888-792-9303 FX: 1-888-796-6292 EMAIL:info@minorityreporter.net

Publisher

Dave McCleary davemc@minorityreporter.net Pauline McCleary pmccleary@minorityreporter.net Lisa Dumas Editor@minorityreporter.net Catie Fiscus ArtDirector@minorityreporter.net Lisa Dumas Delani Weaver

Business Manager copy editor

FREE CANCER SCREENINGS

COLON CANCER BREAST CANCER CERVICAL CANCER
Cancer can affect anyone at any time. thats why early detection is key. we can help you get the cervical, breast or colorectal cancer screening you need at no cost to you.

art director

{local

PG 4 - 5

editorial staff EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Claribel Oliveras

Rochester-Based I.T. Company Gets $140 Million Contract with Army Mayor Richards Youngest Son Succumb to Cancer at Age 37 Residents Endure Pouring Rain for Silent Vigil Alex White Calls for End to Red Light Camera Program Kodak Names New Chairman of Post-Bankruptcy Board

Advertising

No insurance? No problem. Call 585-224-3070 to find out more about cancer screenings

Dave McCleary Yahya Abdullah advertising@minorityreporter.net Temple Boggs, Jr. Todd Elliott

photography Columnists

{state

PG 6 - 7

Cornell Research Orchard Seeks the Perfect Apple NY to Issue Bonus Permits to Cut Deer Population NY Boaters Now Have to Take 8 Hour Safety Course Novelty Gun Lighters Banned in NY

ARE YOU FACING POSSIBLE

{national

PG 7 - 12

HOME?
585.546.3700
*USE REFERENCE CODE: LH/COP

Gloria Winston Al-Sarag C. Michael Tillman Rev. Michael Vaughn Vincent Felder Diane Watkins Mike Dulaney Davy Vara Ayesha Kreutz

Staggering: Percentage of Black Men Serving Life or Life Without Parole Senate Set to OK Budget Bill, but Fight Not Over FAA to Weigh Easing Limits on Electric Devices Shutdown Impact: Tourists, Homebuyers Hit Quickly Small Number of Schools Drop Out of Lunch Program

www.TheHousingCouncil.org
AvoidForeclosure@ThehousingCouncil.org

WE CAN HELP AT NO COST

Minority Reporter, Inc. is a family of publications and other media formats committed to fostering self awareness, building community and empowering people of color to reach their greatest potential. Further, Minority Reporter, Inc. seeks to present a balanced view of relevant issues, utilizing its resources to build bridges among diverse populations; taking them from information to understanding. Minority Reporter reserves the right to edit or reject content submitted. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. Minority Reporter does not assume responsibility concerning advertisers, their positions, practices, services or products; nor does the publication of advertisements constitute or imply endorsement. Minority Reporter invites news and story suggestions from readers. Deadline for all copy is Tuesday at noon. Call 585-301-4199 or email info@minorityreporter.net.

{COLUMNS:

PG 13-15

Calling it as it is By william spriggs

ADOPT
Tanisha

Birth Date: December, 1997

Brenda Hardaway Taken into Custody after Judge Raises Bail; Rochesters African-American Community Remains Silent By DAVY VARA

Kudos to the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. BY james clingman

is an energetic teen who will keep you on your toes! She enjoys cheerleading, track and playing basketball. Not only athletic, she is also intelligent. She has a lot to say and is open to sharing her feelings. Tanisha has been let down by those she has trusted in the past and, as expected, is cautious about who she now lets into her life. Tanisha needs encouragement and direction so she may reach her potential and obtain her goals. The right family will be patient, loving, encouraging, and committed to Tanisha.
Photograph by Michele Morales

If youre interested in learning more about Tanisha or other waiting children, visit: www.ChildrenAwaitingParents.org or call 585-232-5110.

3 www.minorityreporter.net | sep 30 - oct 6 | 2013

CALENDAR

october

MinorityReporter.net
click on the events tab!

To include your events visit

Let us know about YOUR event!

visit www.MinorityReporter.net and click on the Events tab!

4 www.minorityreporter.net | sep 30 - oct 6 | 2013

LOCAL

Rochester-Based I.T. Company Gets $140 Million Contract with Army

Harris Corporation, an international information technology and communications company, has been awarded a contract worth $140 million to Rochesters end of the company over the next two years. As terms of the contract, the company will make mid-tier networking vehicular radios and the Army will purchase 2,500 radios from the company over the life of the contract. The Army has currently purchased 200 radios from the local company and all are in the testing phase. Harris employs about 2,100 people in Rochester. Congresswoman Louise Slaughter said shes proud the equipment comes from Rochester. The best way to deliver the most capable and dependable equipment to the men and women of our military is to hold fair and open competitions, said Slaughter. Our servicemen and women deserve nothing less than the best, which is why I am so proud these radios will be made right here in Rochester by the dedicated employees at Harris. Ill continue to stand by those

workers and our service members by ensuring the Defense Department allows open competition to get the

best product at the best possible price.

Mayor Richards Youngest Son Succumbs to Cancer at Age 37

By Delani Weaver The youngest son of Mayor Thomas Richards, Matthew Richards died Monday after battling cancer for the past five years. Matthew Richards passed only eight days after Mayor Richards announcement that he would not be seeking reelection for Mayor in November. Mayor Richards never went into the specifics as to his reasoning behind dropping out of the election. He said it was a family medical issue and in order for him to truly focus on the needs of his family, stepping out was the best decision. A wake is scheduled for Thursday at Anthony Funeral & Cremation Chapels. Services will be kept private. Richards leaves behind a wife and two sons. My wife Betty and I have unique obligations to the affected branch of our family and that is where we need to devote our attention, Richards said, reading from a statement last Tuesday at City Hall. I have always tried to weigh my family responsibilities with my civic responsibilities and the desire to continue Rochesters transformation. I am not sure that I have always made the correct decision, but I believe that I am doing so this time. The mayors schedule has been cleared for the remainder of the week.

Residents Endure Pouring Rain for Silent Earth Vigil

By Delani Weaver Saturdays heavy rain didnt ruin the plans of over 100 people who wanted to send the message that the environment is just as important as music, entertainment and sports. The corner of Exchange and W. Broad streets was covered with people silently sitting and meditating to raise awareness and bring attention to the issues the environment is facing. This event, named the Earth Vigil, was co-organized by University of Rochester neurology professor Dr. Andrew Stern. According to his research, he said approximately one percent of media coverage goes to environmental news, while sports accounts for 23 percent. In addition, he said the vigil was meant to send a message that there needs to be more media attention and coverage that examines and provides detailed reports about the environment that we live in. Participants showed their commitment by spending two hours in the rain.

NY vets holding ceremony to honor US POWs, MIAs

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) -- Members of veterans groups will gather on a Lake Ontario beach in western New York to commemorate National POW/MIA Recognition Day. The Monroe County Veterans of Foreign Wars is holding the commemorative ceremony starting at 7 p.m. Friday at the POW/MIA Memorial at Rochesters Ontario Beach. Other groups attending include the Vietnam Veterans of America and Patriot Guard riders, as well as members of local posts of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The first national Recognition Day was held in Washington, D.C., in 1979 to pay tribute to American prisoners of war and those still listed as missing in action from the nations wars. Fridays ceremonies include one being held in Hawaii, home to the Pentagon unit responsible for finding, recovering and identifying U.S. service members missing in action from past conflicts.

LOCAL
By Delani Weaver There are over 30 cameras installed and running at red lights all over the city, with plans for at least 20 more. These cameras take pictures of redlight runners and send them a ticket in the mail with a link to watch the footage of the violation. Tuesday, the New York State Supreme Court listened to the arguments of Lawrence Krieger who is suing the city. Krieger claims the red light cameras violate the Constitutions Fifth Amendment, which is the right to due process, because an alleged offender cannot confront his accuser. The city is arguing that red light violations are civil offenses, not criminal offenses. Rochester businessman and mayoral candidate Alex White joined in the fight against the red light cameras by calling for the city to end the red light program and shut down all cameras installed because of the constitutional questions that the program has raised. The court will make a decision as to whether or not collecting fines using red light cameras without due process violates the constitution. In addition, White said this is not the way to provide funds for the city. The Red Light Revenue Program is a terrible way to fund city government, said White. This is nothing more than a regressive, and punitive, stopgap approach to funding the basic functions of government, by an administration unwilling, or unable, to realistically assess property taxes. White said there are other ways the city can raise money. He talked about the Alexander Park project, which is the redevelopment site of Genesee Hospital that was closed back in 2001

5 www.minorityreporter.net | sep 30 - oct 6 | 2013

Alex White Calls for End to Red Light Camera Program

PUZZLES

located near the corner of Monroe Ave. and Alexander St. The site was to be used for office, retail, commercial and residential use. This project was built for $83 million and only paid $5,675 in taxes last year, said White. If taxed correctly, this one property alone would generate more revenue than the entire Red Light Revenue Program. Do Rochesterians really want to pay for government through fines just so that wealthy landlords can get tax breaks? White has been against using red light cameras to produce revenue for City Hall since the program started in October 2010. Democratic mayoral candidate Lovely Warren, voted in favor of the program in 2009. The purpose of the program was they were placed in areas, intersections where you have a high amount of accidents, Warren said. You want to keep your community safe. I think the cameras have reduced accidents in those areas. The program will be reevaluated because theres a three year contract for them and a possible extension. But if the cameras are not doing what they were intended for, of course they will be removed.

Across 1. Belief system 4. Place to dry out 9. Halloween Month, for short 12. Enclosure for return 13. Dispatch boat 14. Region of India 15. Retirement fund 16. Beat 17. Middle of the alphabet letters 18. Vision 20. Take a lunch ___ 22. Snaky swimmers 24. Sticky stuff 25. Be mistaken 27. Creamy, for example 32. Mesh 33. Teachers org. for short 34. Farm cry 35. Aerate 39. ____if it could (contraction) 40. Place to relax 41. Door sign 43. Hawaiian veranda 46. Ivan and Nicholas 49. Formerly 50. Baggy 54. Tattoo (sl.) 55. Hall and Oates, for example 56. Proprietor 57. Kind of deposit 58. Omigod! 59. Gather 60. Gym unit

Down 1. Egyptian fertility goddess 2. Eastern womans clothing 3. Stingily 4. Making a clanking sound 5. Time before 6. Not her 7. Nile reptile 8. Yogis pal (2 words) 9. Kind of arch 10. Robin Cook thriller 11. Undertaking 19. __ Man- cartoon character 21. Propel a boat 23. Plant with showy yellow flowers 24. Pottery finish 25. Ids associate 26. Dinosaurs last name 28. Floral necklace 29. Parrot 30. Drunkard 31. Coal bucket 36. Govt. property org. 37. Final words 38. ______al, from the outside 42. Exists 43. Put on board, as cargo 44. Fluish feeling 45. Banres and Noble e-reader 47. Exceptional 48. Stair part 51. Night hooter 52. Were number ___! 53. Mermaids home

Kodak names new chairman of post-bankruptcy board

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) _ Eastman Kodak Co. has named James Continenza to lead a reshuffled board of directors as the photography and movie pioneer tries to find new technological toeholds for its business. The appointment announced Wednesday comes three weeks after Kodak emerged from federal bankruptcy protection. The Rochester, N.Y., company ushered in six new directors as part of its reorganization plan. Continenza, 51, is one of three directors retained from Kodaks previous board. He joined the board five months ago while Kodak was still operating under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy code. Kodak CEO Antonio Perez had also held the chairmans title until Continenza was elected to replace him in that role. Perez retains a seat on Kodaks board. Kodak is best known for making photo and movie film, but its inability to cope with the upheaval caused by digital technology and stiff competition drove it into bankruptcy. Now that it has shed some of its debt and sold some of its assets, Kodak is hoping it can fare better by focusing on new technologies such as touch screens for smartphones and smart packaging embedded with sensors. The six new directors on Kodaks board are: Mark S. Burgess, Matt Doheny, John A. Janitz, George Karfunkel, Jason New and Derek Smith.

6 www.minorityreporter.net | sep 30 - oct 6 | 2013

STATE
Cornell research orchard seeks the perfect apple
MICHAEL HILL GENEVA, N.Y. (AP) - Trees at Cornell Universitys research orchard this fall are heavy with waxy apples, deepred, round apples, oblong apples and aromatic apples that smell like autumn. The thousands of trees here are tended for a single goal: to grow apples with just the right mix of sweetness, tart and crunch. The orchards, part of the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, are essentially a 50-acre lab devoted to developing apples that are tasty for consumers and hardy for farmers. The station has released 66 apple varieties over more than a century including Cortland, Macoun and two new entries at farm markets this fall: SnapDragon and RubyFrost. I could never be a medical doctor; I dont like blood. But I can create, breeder Susan Brown said. I can manipulate things and create stuff that no one else has seen or tasted, and sometimes its a home run and sometimes its a spitter. Brown, a Cornell professor of agriculture who has been breeding apples since 1990, walked through the apple-dappled rows on a sunny day this week offering test chomps. One apple was juicy but mushy, another exceptionally firm and crisp. You would not want to eat this with dentures, she said with a laugh. Browns team is looking for crisp apples with a good balance of sugar and acid. It also pays close attention to volatiles, or the aromas like a hint of cherry or grassiness that contribute so much to an apples flavor. But researchers also want farmer-friendly apples that hold up well against insects, fire blight and apple scab and during shipping. One promising variety was rejected because its leaves were prone to spotting and falling off the tree. A green apple that might have been able to compete with the Granny Smith was discarded because it was susceptible to blister spots. Its only skin deep, Brown said of the blistered apple, but consumers are still going to find it objectionable. The researchers here have access to cutting-edge technology, but the mechanics of their breeding work is similar to what their counterparts have done for generations. Pollen is collected from unopened blossoms and applied to female parts of another trees flower. It can take four years before a seedling produces fruit ready for tasting. Researchers try to combine desirable traits from two different apples - like the snappy sweetness of one and the resistance to insects of another. But just like a mom and dad can have

children who are very different from each other, new apples can fall far from the tree, figuratively speaking. Research assistant Kevin Maloney says about 95 percent of the seedlings they plant are discarded. The neat rows of trellised trees have gaps where apples that didnt make the cut had grown. Its a numbers game. We plant out thousands and thousands of seedling trees, Maloney said. If theyre not exceptional quality or something we can use in the breeding program, theyre removed. Brown has high hopes for their two new apples developed in partnership with the members of New York Apple Growers, which will initially be sold at dozens of farm markets in New York this fall.

SnapDragon is a cross of Honeycrisp with a Jonagold-like hybrid thats easier for farmers to manage. RubyFrost, which ripens later in the fall, has high vitamin C content and resists browning, which is important now that apple slices are such a large part of the retail market. As picking season for SnapDragon dawns, Brown is already thinking of the next generation apple. She believes she can breed an apple that is resistant to browning. And she thinks she can up an apples vitamin C content to the level of an orange. Ive already made the next generation, crossing SnapDragon and RubyFrost, she said.

NY to issue bonus permits to cut deer population

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - The state Department of Environmental Conservation will issue Bonus Deer Management Permits to kill antlerless deer of either sex in areas of high deer population this fall, in efforts to thin the herd. Bonus permits will be issued starting Tuesday in Suffolk, Westchester, eastern Albany and central Monroe counties. Bonus permits are issued to increase hunter participation and antlerless deer harvest in areas with abundant deer. These permits are available to hunters who take an antlerless deer on a regular permit or a bonus permit in one of the four units. Theres no fee, and applicants wont have to present a deer head or carcass to get one as they did in the past. The agency says increasing the number of traditional doe permits hasnt been effective in reducing deer numbers in many areas.

NY boaters now have to take 8-hour safety course

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) _ Starting next May, motor-boaters will have to complete an eight-hour boat safety course and get a certificate to operate on New York waterways. Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the boat safety legislation into law on Friday. It will be phased in over several years, applying initially to anyone 18 or younger and eventually to all boaters. First-time violators could get a fine of $100 to $250. The new law was proposed in the aftermath of fatal boating accidents last year on Long Island and upstate. In the Long Island accident, three children drowned when a cabin cruiser capsized following a July 4th fireworks display. In the other accident, a father and two sons died on Oneida Lake when a boats driver was distracted by fireworks and hit a channel marker.

7 www.minorityreporter.net | sep 30 - oct 6 | 2013

STATE
Novelty lighters shaped like guns banned in NY
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Those novelty lighters that look like guns, cars, toys, and cartoon animals are being snuffed out in New York. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed a bill into law that prohibits the sale of the items often displayed near cash registers at convenience stores, hardware stores and other retailers. The lighters range from small toy-like bodies with whistles and buzzers to larger M-16 military rifle replicas. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (DIHNoh-wits) of the Bronx says the aim is to keep children who come across the lighters at home from playing with them and creating a fire hazard. Dinowitz sponsored the bill. New York joins at least 14 states including Massachusetts, New Jersey and Illinois that have banned novelty lighters. The U.S. Fire Administration supports the bans.

NATIONAL
Staggering: Percentage of Black Men Serving Life or Life Without Parole
(TriceEdneyWire.com) - Black men comprise the largest percentage of prison inmates serving life sentences or life without parole, according to Life Goes On: The Historic Rise in Life Sentences in America, a new study published this week by The Sentencing Project. The two factors partly explain the reason why African-American men are 38 percent of the state and federal prison population, larger than the White inmate population at 35 percent and the Hispanic prison population at 21 percent, said Dr. Ashley Nellis, author of the report and senior research associate at The Sentencing Project, a Washington, D.C.-based organization that seeks alternatives to prison sentences. Black men serving life in some states is often much higher. Nellis study reported that in 2012, 159,520 individuals were serving life sentences, and 47.2 percent or 75,267 were Black men. Those figures, however, are national numbers. In some states, the numbers are much higher. In Maryland, AfricanAmericans are 77.4 percent of the lifer population. In Georgia, AfricanAmericans are 72 percent of the lifer population. In Mississippi, Blacks are 71.5 percent of the lifer population and in the federal-prison system, African- Americans are 62.3 percent of the lifer population. Nearly 60 percent of Black men are serving life without parole. Some 46,582 individuals in 2012 were serving life without parole (LWOP), and African-Americans comprised 54.9 percent or 26,962 of those inmates. In some states, however, AfricanAmericans are sentenced to life without parole at extremely high rates. In Alabama, 68.2 percent of life without parole inmates was Black. In Georgia, the 73.2 percent were Black; in Illinois, 66.8 percent were Black; in Louisiana, 73.4 percent were Black; in Michigan, 67.5 percent are Black; in Mississippi, 70.5 percent were Black and in South Carolina, 67.3 percent are Black. The difference between life and life without parole is that a person who is serving life may eventually leave prison. A person who is serving life without parole will never leave prison unless DNA evidence acquits him of the crime. Most African-Americans who are sentenced to life without parole are men. Only 3 percent of Black women have been sentenced to serve life without parole, Nellis said. Life without parole is very expensive. As an inmate ages and physical ailments develop, his medical bills can cost taxpayers $100,000 to $150,000 annually, Nellis said. The study reported that 64.3 percent were serving life for homicide; 13.7 percent for sexual assault/rape; 14.1 percent for aggravated assault/ robbery/kidnapping/ 2.0 percent for a drug offense; 4.0 percent for a property offense and 2.0 percent for other offenses. It is notable that more than 10,000 people serving life sentences have been convicted of a nonviolent crime,

including more than 2,500 for a drug offense and 5,400 for a property crime, Nellis wrote. So why are so many Black men either serving life or life without parole? There is harsher treatment of Black men within the judicial system from the point of arrest through the entire process, Nellis said. At some point, Whites receive a modification in their arrest or their sentence. Black men receive subpar legal representation and they are arrested for many more crimes than whites except white-collar and sex-related crimes. States began enacting life without

parole sentences from 1972 to 1976 when the U.S. Supreme Court banned the death penalty. Before the ban, only seven states had life without parole statutes. They were Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and West Virginia. The upward creep of life sentences has accelerated in recent decades as an element of the tough-oncrime political environment that began in 1980s, Nellis wrote. The idea of whole-life prison sentences easily won approval in a period of growing skepticism about the value of rehabilitation.

8 www.minorityreporter.net | sep 30 - oct 6 | 2013

COVER STORY

By Delani Weaver Over the last six years, the YWCA has been trying to keep up with the rising amounts of homeless women and children by providing them a warm, comfortable and clean place to sleep at night and take care of their children. Between six and 700 homeless men, women and children can be found around the city of Rochester on any given night. Tuesday, they were finally able to celebrate making a dent in those numbers for women and their children with a much-anticipated housing expansion and improvement project, thanks to help from Conifer Reality and over ten other financial supporters. City housing manager and former YWCA board member Carol Wheeler applauded organizers on their patience during the ceremony. The approximately $5 million project

had taken so long because of the downturn in the economy. But now, the project is ready to move forward, and the amount of children and women needing shelter is significantly lower than the 61 percent increase just over the summer, according to President and CEO of the YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County Jean Carroll. According to Carroll, empty office and clinic space on Clinton Ave. will be transformed into 14 new apartments and subsidized by Section 8 assistance, bringing the current 96 residential units at the YWCA building to 110. The apartments will provide long-term or permanent housing for residents with Section 8 assistance and other support services. Renovations will be done to the existing 96 units. Apartments will also be used for emergency and transitional housing. In addition, the YWCA building, which is over 60 years old, will be getting a new roof with an

improved playground and park. The project is intended to be finished by March of 2014. Construction began earlier this summer. As of today, the housing space is framed out walls, door stacks, support beams and walls. Over the next five years, almost 400 permanent supportive housing units will be needed to close the gap between the current supply of housing units and the existing or projected demand across what will be needed for Monroe County. E. Main St. and University Ave.s East House and Son House projects will help close the gap as well, courtesy of the DePaul developments. Dellena Harper, who spoke at the ceremony, is one of the YWCAs biggest success stories. She said she was addicted to drugs, homeless and lived on the streets of Rochester until she went to jail. After being released

from jail, she said she went to the Jennifer House and then to the YWCA. Harper lived there for two years, then went back to school and received her bachelors degree followed by her masters degree in social work this past May. She is now the executive director of the same place that provided her services, Jennifer House - Spiritus Christi Prison Outreach. Harper said she believes the YWCA saved her life, and was able to provide her with the housing and services she needed to get her life back on track. I slid under the door there, she said. And I came here on my knees. I left here standing, walking. Im fully selfsufficient today. I love who I am today. I love the woman I am today.

I slid under the door there, she said. And I came here on my knees. I left here standing, walking. Im fully self-sufficient today. I love who I am today. I love the woman I am today. -Dellena Harper

9 www.minorityreporter.net | sep 30 - oct 6 | 2013

Empowering Women
Tuesday, October 8, 2013 | Rochester Riverside Convention Center
$60 per ticket $600 per table of 10 | Please reserve tables by September 23, 2013 | Doors open at 11:00am

LuNCHEON
Buy your tickets now!
Keynote Speaker

Go online at ywcarochester.org or call 368-2261 to purchase a table or your tickets

Founder and CEO, National CARES Mentoring Movement | Editor-In-Chief Emerita of Essence Magazine
A Better Way of Living: Creating Balance, Meaning and Joy. As the soul of Essence magazine for over three decades, Taylor was the driving force behind one of the most celebrated African American owned business success stories. A fourth generation entrepreneur, she flourished in her leadership role, building the brand and guiding it through a period of phenomenal growth to a readership of over eight million. Her success is all the more remarkable when one considers that Taylor was once down-and-out and barely scraping by, alone with her daughter. When she was 24, she found herself separated, with rent due, car broken, and three dollars to her name. Today, she continues to inspire hope and encourages us to reclaim our lives and create sustainable communities. Genuine, energetic, and spiritual, Susan Taylors passion is to help people realize their strengths and take charge of their lives. Her gift of inspiration helps her audience find fulfillment and success in life.

Susan L. Taylor

Editor & Vice President / News, Democrat and Chronicle Media Group

Karen Magnuson

Honorary Chair

Special Thanks to our Sponsors:

Sen. Jim Alesi

Wegmans | Bausch & Lomb | Citizens Bank | Harris RF Communications Rochester Area Community Foundation | WXXI
#rocYWCA

10 www.minorityreporter.net | sep 30 - oct 6 | 2013

Senate set to OK budget bill, but fight not over

ALAN FRAM WASHINGTON (AP) - A potential government shutdown hurtling ever closer, the Democratic-led Senate moved Friday toward passing legislation keeping the government open, but disputes with and among Republicans ensured that the fight likely would spill into the weekend and possibly longer. The result: a high-stakes showdown that is playing out in a climate of chaos, infighting and unpredictability that is extraordinary even by congressional standards. Reflecting the building drama, Senate Chaplain Barry Black opened Fridays session with a prayer that included, Lord, deliver us from governing by crisis. With the current budget year ending Monday and at least a partial shutdown threatened in the absence of legislation, the Senate was poised for critical votes later Friday. Lawmakers were expected to pass the legislation after derailing a conservative effort to block the bill, and after removing House-approved language that would have stripped funding from President Barack Obamas health care law. Passage would bounce the legislation back to the House, where GOP leaders already have declared the pareddown Senate bill insufficient. But top House Republicans, unable to corral enough votes for an alternative due to rebellious conservatives, were mum about their next move and planned no votes on the budget bill until the weekend at least. As the Senate debated the bill, Iowas Tom Harkin criticized conservatives for throwing a temper tantrum and risking a government shutdown because they dislike Obamacare. The veteran Democrat said their ideologydriven behavior was every bit as dangerous as the breakup of the Union before the Civil War. Led by first-term GOP Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Mike Lee of Utah, a small band of Senate conservatives has wanted to block the shutdown bill. They argue such a move would prevent Democrats from removing the language that defunds Obamacare and would force them to negotiate on reining in the wide-reaching health care law, even though such a scenario sets up the risk of at least a partial government shutdown next Tuesday. Its about showing people were going to do what we say were going to, Lee told colleagues, even when, especially when, its inconvenient.But the conservatives have run into opposition from many in their own party - more senior Republicans who see the tactic as doomed to defeat and as a strategy that boosts the odds of a federal shutdown for which Republicans likely would be blamed. Even in the House, some Republicans were unhappy with Cruzs and Lees efforts. I think that a government shutdown is counterproductive to our message in 2014 because we transfer the publics attention perhaps away from Obamacare and instead put it on the pain that will be inflicted, that is still to be determined, on the effects of a government shutdown, said Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark. GOP disunity over what to include in a separate debt limit measure forced leaders to indefinitely delay that legislation, which is aimed at preventing a damaging, first-ever federal default that the Obama administration has warned could otherwise occur by Oct. 17. At one point Thursday, GOP divisions burst into full view on the Senate floor as Cruz and Lee forced the Senate to wait until Friday to approve its bill preventing a shutdown. The American people are watching this but expected the vote Friday or Saturday, said Lee, who asked Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., to not hold the roll call on Thursday. Reid accused the conservatives of a big, big stall. Asked Thursday whether he envisions the House approving a simple Senatepassed bill keeping the government open, House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, told reporters, I dont see that happening. GOP lawmakers said he signaled the same thing at a closeddoor meeting Thursday. They said the House might insert provisions into the shutdown bill repealing an unpopular tax on medical devices that helps pay for Obamas health care overhaul, or erasing federal subsidies for Congress own health care coverage. They could then dare the Senate to reject the overall measure - and face the fallout from the government shutdown that would result. But lawmakers and GOP aides cautioned that no decisions had been made, in part because it was unclear whether even those provisions would help win enough votes for House passage. In an attempt to build support, House GOP leaders considered adding a stack of provisions. A one-year delay of Obamacare, expedited congressional work on tax reform and clearing hurdles to the proposed Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada to Texas were considered certainties. Other possibilities included boosts in Medicare costs for higher earners, land transfers in California and Oregon, and repealing Federal Communications Commission restraints on Internet providers ability to control available content. Even so, many conservatives said the debt limit bill lacked sufficient spending cuts.

NATIONAL

FAA to weigh easing limits on electronic devices

JOAN LOWY WASHINGTON (AP) - With the blessing of an influential advisory panel, federal regulators are closer to letting airline passengers use their smartphones, tablets, e-readers and other electronic gadgets during takeoffs and landings. The 28-member FAA advisory committee voted to recommend the change during a closed-door meeting Thursday, said industry officials familiar with the deliberations. They spoke on condition of anonymity because the government asked them not to talk publicly about their deliberations. The recommendation will be sent Monday to the Federal Aviation Administration, which has final say on whether to ease current restrictions on the use of personal electronic devices on planes. If the panels advice is followed, passengers would have greater opportunity to use most devices below an altitude of 10,000 feet, although some devices would have to be switched to airplane mode. Downloading data, surfing the Web and talking on the phone would remain prohibited. You will not be able to play Words With Friends, you will not be able to shop, you will not be able to surf websites or send email, said Henry Harteveldt, an airline and travel industry analyst with Hudson Crossing who was reacting to word of the recommended change. You will be able to read or work on whats stored on the device, he said. You want to edit that PowerPoint? Great. You want to watch Breaking Bad and you have it downloaded to your smartphone or your tablet? You can continue to do that. Passengers are currently required to turn off phones and other electronic devices while planes are below 10,000 feet to prevent interference with sensitive cockpit equipment. Takeoffs and landings are the most critical phases of flight. But newer aircraft are better equipped to prevent electronic interference, and critics long have complained that the safety concerns behind the regulations are groundless. Weve been fighting for our customers on this issue for years - testing an airplane packed full of Kindles, working with the FAA and serving as the device manufacturer on this committee, Amazon spokesman Drew Herdener said in a statement. This is a big win for customers, and frankly, its about time. These devices are not dangerous. Your Kindle isnt dangerous. Your iPad that is on airplane mode is perfectly safe, Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., who has been pressing the FAA to lift the restrictions, said in an interview. Not everyone agrees. There have been many reports from pilots over the years of electronic interference that appeared to have been caused by passenger use of devices. Technical panels that have looked into the issue in the past concluded evidence that the devices were safe wasnt sufficient to merit lifting restrictions. But Delta Airlines said in a letter to the FAA last year that out of 2.3 million flights over two years, the airline received 27 reports from pilots and maintenance crews of possible device interference. None of the reports could be confirmed, the letter said. Its up to FAA officials whether to follow the committees recommendations. The agency created the committee, put several of its employees on the panel and was closely involved in the deliberations, so its expected that all or most of the recommendations will be implemented. How long that will take is unclear. Airline passengers could see restrictions lifted as soon as early 2014 if the agency chooses a faster implementation track, or the process could drag on for a year or more if airlines have to apply, carrier by carrier, to have their planes approved as safe for use of the devices, industry officials said. McCaskill said that if FAA officials dont act swiftly to implement the recommendations, shell introduce legislation to force their hand. The FAA doesnt have the authority to lift restrictions on cellphone calls. The Federal Communications Commission, which regulates the cellphone industry, has opposed allowing passengers on fast-moving planes to make phone calls, citing potential interference with cellular networks as phones in the sky skip from cell tower to cell tower faster than networks can keep up.

11 www.minorityreporter.net | sep 30 - oct 6 | 2013

NATIONAL
Shutdown impact: Tourists, homebuyers hit quickly
WASHINGTON (AP) - A government shutdown would have far-reaching consequences for some, but minimal impact on others. Mail would be delivered. Social Security and Medicare benefits would continue to flow. But vacationers would be turned away from national parks and Smithsonian museums. Low-to-moderate income borrowers and first-time homebuyers seeking government-backed mortgages could face delays. A look at how services would or would not be affected if Congress fails to reach an agreement averting a government shutdown at midnight Monday. AIR TRAVEL Federal air traffic controllers would remain on the job and airport screeners would keep funneling passengers through security checkpoints. Federal inspectors would continue enforcing safety rules. INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL The State Department would continue processing foreign applications for visas and U.S. applications for passports, since fees are collected to finance those services. Embassies and consulates overseas would continue to provide services to American citizens. BENEFIT PAYMENTS Social Security and Medicare benefits would keep coming, but there could be delays in processing new disability applications. Unemployment benefits would still go out. FEDERAL COURTS Federal courts would continue operating normally for about 10 business days after the start of a shutdown, roughly until the middle of October. If the shutdown continues, the judiciary would have to begin furloughs of employees whose work is not considered essential. But cases would continue to be heard. MAIL Deliveries would continue as usual because the U.S. Postal Service receives no tax dollars for day-to-day operations. It relies on income from stamps and other postal fees to keep running. RECREATION All national parks would be closed, as would the Smithsonian museums, including the National Zoo in Washington. Visitors using overnight campgrounds or other park facilities would be given 48 hours to make alternate arrangements and leave the park. Among the visitor centers that would be closed: the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in New York, Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Alcatraz Island near San Francisco and the Washington Monument. HEALTH New patients would not be accepted into clinical research at the National Institutes of Health, but current patients would continue to receive care. Medical research at the NIH would be disrupted and some studies would be delayed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would be severely limited in spotting or investigating disease outbreaks, from flu to that mysterious MERS virus from the Middle East. FOOD SAFETY The Food and Drug Administration would handle high-risk recalls suspend most routine safety inspections. Federal meat inspections would be expected to proceed as usual. HEAD START A small number of Head Start programs, about 20 out of 1,600 nationally, would feel the impact right away. The federal Administration for Children and Families says grants expiring about Oct. 1 would not be renewed. Over time more programs would be affected. Several of the Head Start programs that would immediately feel the pinch are in Florida. Its unclear if they would continue serving children. FOOD ASSISTANCE The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, known as WIC, could shut down. The program provides supplemental food, health care referrals and nutrition education for pregnant women, mothers and their children. School lunches and breakfasts would continue to be served, and food stamps, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, would continue to be distributed. But several smaller feeding programs would not have the money to operate.

TAXES Americans would still have to pay their taxes and file federal tax returns, but the Internal Revenue Service says it would suspend all audits. Got questions? Sorry, the IRS says taxpayer services, including toll-free help lines, would be shut as well. LOANS Many low-to-moderate incomes borrowers and first-time homebuyers seeking government-backed mortgages could face delays during the shutdown. The Federal Housing Administration, which guarantees about 30 percent of home mortgages, wouldnt underwrite or approve any new loans during the shutdown. Action on government-backed loans to small businesses would be suspended. SCIENCE NASA will continue to keep workers at Mission Control in Houston and elsewhere to support the International Space station, where two Americans and four others are deployed. The National Weather Service would keep forecasting weather and issuing warnings and the National Hurricane Center would continue to track storms. The scientific work of the U.S. Geological Survey would be halted. HOMELAND SECURITY The majority of the Department of Homeland Securitys employees are expected to stay on the job, including uniformed agents and officers at the countrys borders and ports of entry, members of the Coast Guard, Transportation Security Administration officers, Secret Service

personnel and other law enforcement agents and officers. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services employees would continue to process green card applications. MILITARY The militarys 1.4 million active duty personnel would stay on duty, but their paychecks would be delayed. About half of the Defense Departments civilian employees would be furloughed. PRISONS All 116 federal prisons would remain open, and criminal litigation would proceed. VETERANS SERVICES Most services offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs will continue because lawmakers approve money one year in advance for the VAs health programs. Veterans would still be able to visit hospitals for inpatient care, get mental health counseling at vet centers or get prescriptions filled at VA health clinics. Operators would still staff the crisis hotline and claims workers would still process payments to cover disability and pension benefits. But those veterans appealing the denial of disability benefits to the Board of Veterans Appeals will have to wait longer for a decision because the board would not issue any decisions during a shutdown. WORK SAFETY Federal occupational safety and health inspectors would stop workplace inspections except in cases of imminent danger.

www.MINORITYREPORTER.net

12 www.minorityreporter.net | sep 30 - oct 6 | 2013

NATIONAL

Small number of schools drop out of lunch program

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Agriculture Department says 524 schools - out of about 100,000 - have dropped out of the federally subsidized national school lunch program since the government introduced new standards for healthier foods last year. The new standards have met with grumbling from school nutrition officials who say they are difficult and expensive to follow, conservatives who say the government shouldnt be dictating what kids eat and unsurprisingly - from some children who say the less-greasy food doesnt taste as good. But USDA says the vast majority of schools are serving healthier food, with some success. Data to be released Monday by the department shows that 80 percent of schools say they have already met the requirements, which went into place at the beginning of the 2012 school year. About one-half percent have dropped out of the program. In an effort to stem high childhood obesity levels, the new guidelines set limits on calories and salt, and they phase in more whole grains in federally subsidized meals served in schools main lunch line. Schools must offer at least one vegetable or fruit per meal and comply with a variety of other specific nutrition requirements. The rules aim to introduce more nutrients to growing kids and also to make old favorites healthier - pizza with lowfat cheese and whole-wheat crust, for example, or baked instead of fried potatoes. If schools do not follow the rules, or if they drop out, they are not eligible for the federal dollars that reimburse them for free and low-cost meals served to low-income students. That means wealthier schools with fewer needy students are more likely to be able to operate outside of the program. According to the USDA data, gathered from the states that administer the programs, 90 of the 524 schools that dropped out of the program said specifically that they did so because of the new meal-plan requirements. Most of the rest did not give a reason. Some school nutrition officials have said buying the healthier foods put a strain on their budgets. A study by the Pew Charitable Trusts Kids Safe and Healthful Foods Project, also expected to be released Monday, said that 91 percent of school food officials the group surveyed said they face challenges in putting the standards in place, including problems with food costs and availability, training employees to follow the new guidelines, and a lack of the proper equipment to cook healthier meals. But that study says 94 percent of the more than 3,300 officials surveyed said they expect to be able to meet all of the requirements by the end of this school year. It shows that this is certainly doable, said Jessica Donze Black, director of the Pew project, which has lobbied for healthier foods. Leah Schmidt, president of the School Nutrition Association and director of nutrition programs at a Kansas City, Mo. school district, said any schools that would consider forgoing the federal funds would have to have very few students eating the free and

reduced-cost meals. She agreed that many schools have met challenges in trying to meet the new standards, but she said that is to be expected. Any time you have something new, youre going to have some growing pains, she said. As some schools struggled to follow the new guidelines at the beginning of the last school year, USDA relaxed some of the original requirements. In December, the department did away with daily and weekly limits on meats and grains that school nutrition officials said were too hard to follow. Congress has also had its say on the new guidelines. In 2011, after USDA first proposed them, Congress prohibited USDA from limiting

potatoes and French fries and allowed school lunchrooms to continue counting tomato paste on pizza as a vegetable. The school lunch rules apply to federally subsidized lunches served at reduced or no cost to low-income children. Those meals have always been subject to nutritional guidelines because they are partially paid for by the federal government, but the new rules put broader restrictions on what could be served as childhood obesity rates have skyrocketed. Schoolchildren can still buy additional foods in other parts of the lunchroom and the school. Separate USDA rules to make those foods healthier could go into effect as soon as next year.

N.C. Attorney General to Probe Police Killing of Unarmed Jonathan Ferrell Two of the District Attorneys Former Partners Are Representing the Cop
(TriceEdneyWire.com) - Roy Cooper, the North Carolina Attorney General, will investigate the shooting death by a Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer of Jonathan A. Ferrell, a 24 year-old black man, who was seeking help following a car accident. Cooper said he took over the investigation at the request of R. Andrew Murray, Mecklenburg District Attorney. Special prosecutors in the Attorney Generals Office have agreed to handle the case of Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department officer Randall Kerrick, Cooper said. Kerrick fired 12 shots at Ferrell, wounding him 10 times as Ferrell ran towards Kerrick and two other officers seeking help following a one-car accident. Ferrell, who was unarmed and did not have a criminal record, died at the scene. The deadly shooting occurred at 2:36 am on Saturday, September 14 http://www. thenorthstarnews.com/fullstory/ story/police-kill-former-florida-amstudent-seeking-help-after-a-caraccident Ferrells car hit several trees and rolled down an embankment. Ferrell kicked out the cars rear window to escape, police said. The former Florida A&M football player ran to a nearby house and pounded on the door, seeking help, but the woman, Sarah McCarthy, called the police. She stated that Ferrell was trying to kick in the door. When Kerrick and officers Thornell Little and Adam Neal arrived at the home, they saw Ferrell, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police. One of the officers fired a Taser Gun. Kerrick drew his gun and shot Ferrell dead. Charlotte-Mecklenburg is in Charlotte, N.C. The investigation showed that the initial encounter of Mr. Ferrell and Officer Kerrick was appropriate and lawful, police said. The evidence revealed that Mr. Ferrell did advance on Officer Kerrick and the investigation showed that the subsequent shooting of Mr. Ferrell was excessive. Our investigation has shown that Officer Kerrick did not have a lawful right to discharge his weapon during this encounter. Prosecutors charged Kerrick with voluntary manslaughter, according to police. Cooper said The Attorney Generals Special Prosecutions Section is available to all district attorneys in the state when there is a conflict or when there are other issues that prevent a district attorney from handling the case. Before being elected district attorney for Mecklenburg County, Murray was a partner in the Charlotte, N.C., law firm of Goodman, Carr, Laughrun, Levine, Murray & Greene. George Laughrun and Michael Greene, two of the firms partners, are representing Kerrick in Ferrells shooting death.

13 www.minorityreporter.net | sep 30 - oct 6 | 2013

Start Your Career With ConServe
Adoption ADOPT: The stork didnt call. We hope you will. Loving family of 3 looking to adopt another little miracle. Contact Robin and Neil: 866-303-0668, www. rnladopt.info Drivers Drivers HOME WEEKLY & BI-WEEKLY EARN $900- $1200/WK BC/BS Med & Major Benefits. No Canada, HAZMAT or NYC! SMITH TRANSPORT 877-705-9261 Help Wanted AIRLINE CAREERS begin here Get FAA approved Aviation Maintenance Technician training. Financial aid for qualified students Housing available. Job placement assistance. Call AIM 866-296-7093 Home Improvement HAS YOUR BUILDING SHIFTED OR SETTLED? Contact Woodford Brothers Inc, for straightening, leveling, foundation and wood frame repairs at 1-800-OLD-BARN. www.woodfordbros. com. Not applicable in Queens county Land For Sale LENDER MUST SELL SHORT! HISTORIC CATSKILL MOUNTAIN FARM 10/5-10/6. Over 1,000 acres in JUST 32 Parcels! 5-147 acres tracts 50% Below Market Prices! 2-1/2 hours NYC, Gorgeous Views, Farmhouses, Springs & Ponds! Call (888)9058847 register at www. newyorklandandlakes. com take virtual tour NOW! NY LAND BARGAINSOneonta Area 30.7 acres woods, fields, stream $89,000. 5.97 acres two-story barn $52,000. 2.74 acres great views $25,000. Owner financing www. helderbergrealty.com CALL: 518-8616541 Miscellaneous SAWMILLS from only $4897.00- MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info/DVD: www. NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N Out of State Real Estate Annual Outer Banks Parade of Homes Oct.10-13. 22 Homes from Corolla to Manteo. Take the preview tour at www. obhomebuilders.org then come visit! Vacation Rentals OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-638-2102. Online reservations: www. holidayoc.com Wanted CASH for Coins! Buying ALL Gold & Silver. Also Stamps & Paper Money, Entire Collections, Estates. Travel to your home. Call Marc in NY 1-800959-3419 WANTED: Pre-1975 Superhero Comic Books, sports, non sports cards, toys, original art & celebrity memorabilia especially 1960s. C o l l e c t o r / I n v e s t o r, paying cash. Call Mike: (800)273-0312, mikecarbo@gmail.com
Work on highly collectible defaulted student loans. Immediate FT Openings. Enjoy Uncapped Bonus, Paid Training, Competitive Wages & Fabulous Benefits!

Debt Counselor Opportunities:

INDEPENDENT LIVING
100 Dunn Tower Drive 200 Dunn Tower Drive Rochester, NY 14606 Rochester, NY 14606 (585)429-5520 (585)429-6840 www.dunntower.com

Dunn Tower I Apartments

Dunn Tower II Apartments

Unbeatable Benefits:
-100% ConServe Paid Single Medical -100% ConServe Paid Family Dental -100% ConServe Paid Family Vision -Generous Vacation Plan

Click the ConServe Careers tab to apply

200 Cross Keys Office Park, Fairport, 14450 EOE & Drug-Free

www.conserve-arm.com

Let Minority Reporter Help You Grow Your Business!

888.792.9303

Tuition Assistance Jobs Training

Photography
BY TEMPLE BOGGS, JR

CAPTURE THE MOMENT

SPECIALIZING IN:
FUNDRAISING FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHY SPECIAL EVENTS

585.313.1725

14 www.minorityreporter.net | sep 30 - oct 6 | 2013

OPINION/EDITORIAL
Calling It As It Is
Once again, we stand poised on the precipice of economic c a l a m i t y because the Republican-led House is intent on creating crises to push their agenda. Unfortunately, William Spriggs too many pundits add to Americans cynicism by trying to find a way to blame both sides. The Washington Post recently tried by saying that Democrats hope Republicans will fight to shut down the federal government in hopes of gaining advantage when people figure out the Republicans are to blame. Playing to cynics also plays well in portraying this as a school yard fight, which in the age of reality television and voyeurism, is a sales pitch. It however does no one well if the experts and thought leaders do not play honest umpires to call the balls and strikes as they see them. So, here are the facts. This summer, at a fundraiser in Idaho, the speaker of the House, John Boehner, said he wanted to create a crisis out of the federal budget and funding the government. The president clearly stated he would not negotiate on keeping the government in operation, either through a fight on a continuing resolution or raising the debt limit. A continuing resolution is congressional legislation brought about when Congress has not passed budgets for the many government agencies, and so instead passes a resolution to allow the government to continue to operate by authorizing expenditures in one giant bill. To be even clearer, this is Congress authorizing money so the federal agencies can carry out the mandates of the many laws Congress has already passed-laws to inspect meat for safety, laws to prevent illegal drugs entering the country, laws to imprison people who violate those drug laws, laws to create national park lands, laws to ensure people receive their Social Security benefits and on and on. Since the House under Speaker Boehners leadership failed to pass those budget laws, the House is now in a position to create a crisis as Oct. 1 approaches; the first day of the new year of the federal budget. The debt is the cumulative effect of past congressional decisions. From 1998 to 2001, the federal government ran surpluses, so the outstanding level of debt fell from $3.77 trillion to $3.32 trillion. This led the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to project in January 2001 that federal debt would go to zero by 2012. From 2001 to 2008, the federal government ran deficits in part as a stimulus effort directed at the 2001 downturn and in part from funding wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and in part because the 2001 recovery was weak, so revenues were less than expected and expenditures (on things like unemployment insurance and food stamps were higher). This ran the federal debt up to $5.8 trillion in 2008. Many of the tax cuts put in place during that period, and new programs like the prescription drug benefit for Medicare, were left in place by President Barack Obama. By 2011, the debt had jumped to $10.1 trillion. In all, CBO figures that $3.3 trillion less was collected in revenues because of the weak 2001 recovery and the Great Recession of 2008; and spending increased for those same reasons by $112 billion. The programs that Obama inherited account for 44 percent of the increase in mandatory spending that CBO had not anticipated in 2001, and 49 percent of the increase in discretionary spending that CBO had not foreseen in 2001 was already added to the federal debt when he took office. Further, 62 percent of the $2.8 trillion drop in revenue from tax cuts put in place between 2001 and 2008 that CBO could not have accounted for in January 2001 were from policies that preceded President Obama. This means that it would be disingenuous at best, for Republicans to now argue about raising the debt ceiling to insure that the United States pays on the debt incurred for policies made since 2001-debts for policies that included those of President George W. Bush, Senate Leaders Trent Lott and Bill Frist, and Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert. These crises manufactured by House Republicans are designed to bend economic policy in their direction. But, given that so far it is President Obama who has bent, the reality is that the fiscal policy pursued since 2010 and the end of the American Recovery and

The views expressed on our opinion pages are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the position or viewpoint of Minority Reporter.

Reinvestment Act has been declining fiscal stimulus. In the 11 quarters since the last quarter of 2010, the federal government has been a drag on the recovery in all but two because it continues to grow smaller-paying fewer workers and buying fewer goods and services from American companies desperate to grow sales. In part this reflects the presidents gambit with the sequestration that Republicans took, shrinking GDP growth by over a point in the fourth quarter of 2012 when government procurement got rolled back in anticipation of fewer contracting dollars. Clearly, these actions take away job opportunities. Republicans have not put forward a new vision for America. Instead, the only problem they see in the country right now is the size of the federal government. The persistent high levels of unemployment, the drop in median family income, even the increase in child poverty are not issues they are producing solutions for-except a view that smaller government will solve them. So unlike all past economic downturns, like under Presidents Ronald Reagan or George H.W. Bush, they are testing a new economic theory that a shrinking government will lower unemployment, raise family incomes and reduce child poverty. Except, following their policy of a shrinking government, the opposite is occurring. And last week, the Republican House voted in the face of rising child poverty to cut $40 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-food stamps). In fairness to Republicans, the president proposed a recovery act that was too small and designed to end too soon. But, he has offered various plans since to increase American investment in our roads and bridges that would get many construction workers back to work while saving our children the burden of replacing bridges we could be repairing. And, he has offered plans to return teachers to the classroom, sending federal dollars to help our local schools replace the hundreds of thousands of local public education workers lost when the Great Recession sucked money out of their school district budgets. The presidents offer would reverse the first serious decrease in per-pupil expenditures American children have experienced in the post-World War II era. Republicans have rejected both ideas, since they would make the government bigger.

Republicans have argued that government debt is a moral issue. But, this confuses saving and investing. It does save money now when you dont fix our roads or pay for teachers in our childrens classrooms. But that doesnt save money in the long run. Cutting those expenditures cuts on our investment. It leaves a long and expensive to-do list for our children when they must confront a broken transportation system that cannot draw investors to America for fear they cant move their goods efficiently. It also hurts our childrens education, leaves them less educated and skilled for a world that grows more technical and sophisticated every day. Several Senate Republican leaders see this current grandstanding by House Republicans as harmful to the Republican party. Voters will not be fooled, even if the Sunday talking elite try to make this into a food fight. Shutting down the government, moving America backward and standing for nothing is not a formula to draw votes. With median family incomes still down from 2007, Americas working families do not believe, as some House Republicans, that a private sector led by JPMorganand its acknowledgement of multiple counts of law violations, and perhaps $20 billion in fines for corrupting the financial system and causing the collapse of the worlds economy-is the solution. The stock market is booming. The job creators, including those like JPMorgan, that face legal charges, have soaring incomes. They are not riding in on white horses with job offers to save Middle America. Wall Street is dancing to music that only the House Republicans can hear, because on Main Street, there is still the silence of looking for work. If the pundits call it honest, this is a big strike for Republicans for playing with the economy again and failing to offer a vision of jobs and rising pay and investing in Americas children. After voting to take food away from the tables of Americas children, this will be strike two.

www.MINORITYREPORTER.net

15 www.minorityreporter.net | sep 30 - oct 6 | 2013

OPINION/EDITORIAL
TriceEdneyWire. com) - In a recent article I posed the question, Hey, Chocolate City, Where Da Money At? Well, the CBCF gave a resounding answer to james clingman that inquiry on Tuesday, September 17, 2013. Starting a new campaign to strengthen the economy in Black communities, the organization, under the leadership of Board Chairman, Congressman Chaka Fatah, (D-Pa.), announced it would invest $5 million with Black banks, as part of a broader effort to increase the availability of loans for businesses and individuals in African-American communities. I applaud the CBCF for this initiative; it is a great example of how we can leverage the dollars over which we have control and stewardship. Congratulations to the leadership group: A. Shuanise Washington, President and CEO, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation; Michael Grant, president, National Bankers Association; B. Doyle Mitchell, Jr., board chair, National Bankers Association and president, Industrial Bank; Russell Kashian, PhD, Professor, Department of Economics, University of Wisconsin Whitewater; and Ron Busby, Sr., CEO, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. Well done! In essense, the CBCF said heres our money, and our members are doing the right thing with it. I commend the CBCF for its initiative and commitment to launch what could - and should be a movement across this nation, said National Bankers President, Michael Grant. They initiated this effort without being prodded, begged, or persuaded, Grant continued. They did it of their own volition and understanding of how this economy works, as well as the very important aspect of building businesses and strengthening the asset base of Black owned banks. We cannot thank them enough Of course, after my kudos come my questions. As commendable as the actions of the CBCF are, they do bring forth questions in my mind regarding other institutions, organizations, and associations. I want to start with the NAACP because Mr. Ben Jealous recently announced his resignation, and while doing so lauded the organizations tremendous increase in fundraising under his leadership. Under Jealous, the donor base grew from 16,422 in 2007, just before he started, to 132,543 last year. Revenue has grown from $25.7 million in 2008 to $46 million in 2012, according to an article in USA Today. $46 million is a lot of money. How much is deposited or invested in Black banks, NAACP? With both Harbor Bank and Industrial Bank in the immediate vicinity of NAACP national

The views expressed on our opinion pages are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the position or viewpoint of Minority Reporter.

Kudos to the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF)

headquarters, I am sure most - if not all - of those funds are already nestled away and doing great work in those two fine Black banks. The CBCF had $5 million and they did the right thing with it. Has the NAACP done the same with its $46 million? I trust they have. Hey, Marc Morial, and the National Urban League, youre next. Where is your money? How many millions do you control? Any Black banks listed on your financial statements? I know there must be, in light of the fact that you work hard to establish new businesses and create more jobs. Surely the CBCF has nothing on you, right? This is not a trivial or unimportant question. Here in my hometown, back in 199699, a Black owned credit union was started just across the street from our local Urban League Office Building. Although asked to do so, the Urban League did not have an account at the credit union. I know this is 2013 and we are much more enlightened and conscious nowadays. But, Im just saying, you know? All right Al Sharpton, youre up next. How many millions does the National Action Network (NAN) have in Blackowned banks? With your clarion call for, Jobs! Jobs! Jobs! surely NAN has taken the economically positive step of keeping its funds in banks that can help create those much needed jobs. I know your thing is politics, but politics is supported, guided, and controlled by economics, so I have no doubt that you have already carved out a niche in a Black bank and allowed your money to good work for our people. Uh Oh, I am running out of space. So what about the rest of our Black organizations? Rainbow PUSH, SCLC, Masons, Shriners, Fraternities, Sororities, Social Clubs, Links, Black entertainers, Black rappers, Black athletes, Black business owners? Are you even considering putting some of your millions into Black banks? Between Jay-Z and P. Diddy, who recently talked about losing a million dollars to another rapper, thats a few hundred million right there. Take LeBron, Kobe, Tiger, Serena, and Venus; what an impact they could make on a Black bank balance sheet. Get the picture? Finally, as I close, Black churches, where is your money? Is any of it sitting in a Black bank? Churches that are domiciled in cities where Black banks exist should all have accounts at those banks/and or credit unions. Can you hear me talking, Durham, North Carolina, where the oldest Black bank resides? There is also Internet banking; not denying the importance of a local bank relationship, but some church funds could be invested in an out-of-town bank. This is too easy, brothers and sisters, and its all about a Biblical principle: Good stewardship. Its now time for the altar call. Let the Black church say, Amen!

Brenda Hardaway Taken into Custody after Judge Raises Bail; Rochesters African-American Community Remains Silent
When former Greece Police Sgt. Nick Joseph was arraigned in front of state Supreme Court Justice Francis A. Affronti in 2008 after he snorted cocaine and pounded down davy vara drink after drink at Spenders bar, then got behind the wheel of his brothers car, raced down Interstate 390 and crashed into a pregnant womans stalled car before fleeing the scene, Affronti released him without bail. On Tuesday, Sept. 17, Brenda Hardaway, a pregnant African-American woman who was driven into a wooden porch post, punched in the head, then thrown to the ground by Rochester police officer Lucas Krull, showed up to her court appearance to answer numerous charges the Rochester Police Department charged her with, including, ironically, assaulting a police officer. Minutes later, as her mother watched, a court deputy walked up behind her, handcuffed her, and took her away, after Affronti increased her $7,500 bail to $25,000. Hardaway had previously posted the $7,500 bail. According to Affronti, he believes there is a viable concern that Hardaway could have future contact with law enforcement. Justice Affronti, youre probably right sir, Brenda Hardaway probably would have future contact with the RPD. Those thugs in uniform will most likely stop at nothing now to retaliate against her, especially after a viral video of one of the members of their brotherhood is being viewed around the world. And Justice Affronti, about former police sergeant Nick Joseph, a cop whose illegal and reckless actions could have killed an innocent little girl who had to be delivered through emergency c-section 14 weeks prematurely, how is it that you released him without bail, but you increased a pregnant black womans bail to $25,000 after she was beaten by an RPD cop? And, despite what is turning out to be, as one African-American man put it, a modern-day lynching, Rochesters African-American community, including so-called black leaders such as City Councilman Adam McFadden, and Lovely Warren, who just won Rochesters mayoral primary, continues to be silent. I wonder what civil rights activist Frederick Douglass, who is buried in Rochesters Mt. Hope Cemetery, less than four miles from where Brenda Hardaway was beaten by a white cop, would say.

www.MINORITYREPORTER.net

16 www.minorityreporter.net | sep 30 - oct 6 | 2013

SUBSCRIBE TO MINORITY REPORTER FOR ONLY

CALL US @ 585.301.4199

OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

www.

Tell us what you think at:

MINORITYREPORTER.NET

minorityreporter.net/SUBSCRIBE

EDITOR@