Quote:
Originally posted by SummerChild
Tony,
I tend to disagree with your approach. I understand you to be saying that we need to develop these clubs and groups in order to build economic wealth and gain political clout. Please correct me if I am wrong.
I tend to disagree with this approach b/c focusing on economics has only gotten us a formidable middle-class (at least larger than it was back in the 70's) BUT OUR POOR ARE STILL JUST AS POOR B/C THE MIDDLE CLASS ARE GAINING WEALTH AND NOT SHARING THEIR $$ OR THEIR EXPERIENCES. I would say that it's not the money that we need as much as each of those people who would be in that investment club to take one afternoon a week to go back into the 'hood and be a one-on-one role model. Back in the day we didn't have as much money but we were much more willing to lend a hand toward the less fortunate in our community. I think that we need WORKERS in the community more than we need the middle-class to continue to just gain more wealth.
Further, I like the political clout argument but it just seems like a means to get someone else to help us once again and I like the notion of focusing on self-reliance.
SC
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SC,
I accept your disagreement. But I think we're never going to be respected as a political force until we show we have economic power. I hate that it's true, but the world is run on m-o-n-e-y. Those that have it tend to get listented to more than others. When those WITH economic clout, demand that politicians create policy initiatives and seriously address the plight of the economic lower class, then it'll happen beyond the periodic lip service it gets now.
In terms of the community you're right. People who develop economic tools within the community HAVE to reach back to those WILLING TO BE REACHED to teach them skills that will elevate their station. I didn't mean to suggest that economics was the only way. But it seems to me that to only rely on a political system in which one party takes us for granted, and the other seems to not truly be interested in our issues, is not going to advance us far.
peace.