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By Rep. Barbara Lee, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus
From the grocers who see the unusual rush of families buying food at midnight because that is the very first moment when their nutrition assistance is available to employers who see overwhelming numbers of applications for any job listing, people all across this country know that their friends and neighbors are struggling.
And each month we are reminded by hard data what we already know, just how bad the economy is for millions of Americans who are struggling to pay the rent and feed their families. The latest figures show overall unemployment at 9.6 percent, while African Americans and Latinos are out of work at the unbearably high rate of 16.1 and 12.4 percent, respectively. When we take into account those who have stopped seeking work or aren't working as much as they would like, it is clear that the economic crisis gripping households across America is that much more devastating.
Our government has a responsibility to empower and protect the American people and we can do that right now by creating jobs. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus are working hard to do just that, but we need people like you to join forces with us to reignite the movement of change that elected President Obama two years ago.
When our economy sank into recession some communities fell faster and farther than others. While there are clear signs that the economy is on the road to recovery, there is ample evidence that many communities continue to lag behind. Not only are African Americans unemployed at higher rates than every other segment of the population, but we also tend to be unemployed and underemployed for longer periods.
In line with its 40-year focus, for much of the past two years, the Congressional Black Caucus has been -- and continues to be --laser-focused on creating jobs and stimulating the economy. To that end, we have worked with the Obama administration and congressional leaders to create an agenda that responds to the needs of the chronically unemployed and underemployed, as well as populations who are living below the poverty line.
In March, the caucus held a hearing that examined the breadth and depth of chronic unemployment in America and explored the policy solutions that would make a difference for those living at the margins of our nation's economy. After hearing very powerful testimony from an impressive collection of scholars, policy experts and leaders with experience working with people who are chronically unemployed, it was even more evident that direct job creation and worker training and retraining was sorely needed. Direct job creation does more than just give people jobs – it empowers people to provide for themselves and their families and can break the cycle of poverty and unemployment for entire families.
In the months since, members of the Congressional Black Caucus have worked with President Obama and our colleagues in the House of Representatives to craft legislation that will create jobs and put all Americans back to work. The Local Jobs for America Act would help local governments prevent the lay-off of thousands of teachers, police and firefighters. By providing relief to local governments, not only do we maintain the vital role that these Americans play in our local communities, but we in turn stimulate the local economies in which they work.
We also fought for youth employment opportunities to empower our young people so that they can still access the essential jobs and life skills that a summer job provides, and for far too many children, even help pay the rent and put food on the table. We fought to expand career training programs and to restore the flow of credit to enable small businesses to expand and hire new workers.
We have had many successes in the House of Representatives, however, our efforts have run into a roadblock-the unified obstructionism of Republicans in the United States Senate. In the House, we have passed legislation that will stimulate the economy and create jobs that President Obama will sign. Yet a handful of Republican Senators will not get out of the way of an American recovery.
I cannot understand how these Republican Senators, many with unemployment in their home states far exceeding the national rate, remain unwilling to pass legislation that will create jobs for people who need them the most. It is even more perplexing that these same Republican Senators are more concerned with giving tax cuts to the wealthy and protecting tax loopholes for corporations and oil companies, while ignoring the pressing needs of unemployed and underemployed Americans at the margins of our economy.
We have and will continue to fight, but we can't do this alone. We need you to unleash your power by holding your elected officials feet to the fire to remind them to support funding and legislative priorities of this administration and the Congressional Black Caucus.
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Democracy is not a spectator sport. When you cast your historic vote for Barack Obama, you not only gave this nation an historic opportunity for positive change, but you also took responsibility for pushing forward the bold agenda for change that this country so desperately needs. If your elected officials don't put jobs front and center in their agenda, then remind them that you can unleash your power and vote to defeat them at the ballot box.
Stand with President Obama and the Congressional Black Caucus. Others want to take the country back – we need to have President Obama's back. There are many conservative activists who are doing their best to halt the progress we've made and even turn back the clock. The only way we can succeed and continue to implement a positive progressive agenda is by standing together as a strong community. The stakes are too high and consequences are too great for your voice not to be heard.
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) of the Ninth Congressional District of California is also the Chair of the 42 member Congressional Black Caucus.
Find your members of Congress in the U.S. House of Representatives or your Senators in the U.S. Senate online, and voice your opinion in support of the CBC-backed jobs creation legislation now.
Comments: (44)
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By: Brady on 10/19/2010 1:17PM
"Stand with President Obama and the Congressional Black Caucus. Others want to take the country back – we need to have President Obama's back".
Come on now Ms Lee, which is it. The CBC has been complaining about the President and the administration since mid 09. Some of us acutally follow politics.
You guys specifically complained that Jarret and Emanuel dismissed you as irrelevant. It was reported time and again about the rift between the CBC and the administration.
The administration told the CBC to its face "No targeted help was forthcoming" The President himself told national urban radio the same.
The CBC complained that activist got in before Black Elected officials, now if that’s not a slap, I don’t now what is.
About two weeks ago, the CBC was rightfully complaining about the A/American unemployment situation, and not once did any of you mention the above.
The unemployment rate will hit 10 in November, which surely means black unemployment will hit 17. That is a god high number.
You say you fought for youth employment opportunities. Madame Lee that is an understatement, The CBC had to threaten the administration to get it added to the health care bill, because the President was "NOT" going to do it. Yes you fought, but shouldn’t have had to fight. You were not fighting Republicans you were fighting the administration.
Now you say, you have been working together. So I ask which it is?
Now you say stick with it. I say black folk have stuck with it, to our own detriment.
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By: Ms Ann on 10/19/2010 6:25PM
President Obama is in office and doing a great job and the Black caucus has done not one thing to support him.Only time I saw a Black caucus on tv was when Michele Salahi was ewmbracing and rubbing a Black man's head and he was grinning like he ate the canary and another one was coming by.Blacks have seen and heard to vote Black and what have we received in return in our communities.When you hear about the Black Caucus its they lining their pockets or family members pockets and forgetting the rest.When Maxine Waters alledgely made a phone call to get money for a bank her husband is on the board,she hig tailed it back to the good old AME church to speak and wanted support.Its time to rid itself of the Black Caucus and why would they allow the Salahi's at the event and they on a reality show.They should have invited average grade students to the event to motivate them to stay in school or random invited a community single mom or couple in the DC area.When that senator called our President a "Liar"all the Blacks should have spoken and walked out in outrage and not one stood and said not on my watch.President obama has to work harder because he doesn't know who he can trust in the Black sector.I will not be voting Blacks back to Washington to showcase ignorance and lack of integrity about housing/unemployment/healthcare because its not the government its the Black Caucus that could have voted for this healthcare Bill long before Sen.Kennedy died and no one has been vocal.I am so shame that all that have marched and died, Blacks are going to Washington and falling in the pit of greed and not showing patroitism for our country or support for Our historical president.People talk about Jesse jackson but Jesse Jackson and his son Jonathan are waking up everyday giving people hope.Every Black person in Illinois should be a member of Rainbow Push and attend the meetings so they will move to the football field.Bless Jesse,Jonathan Jackson and staff and President Obama/His family and Cabinet.
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By: Ms Ann on 10/19/2010 7:26PM
Stand with President Obama!Yes ,WE Will! The jobless rate for Blacks have always been high since Blacks freedom but just how many Blacks are employed in the Black Caucus offices in Washington,D.C. Our President of the USA cannot target one segment group or race.We all read and most have access to a computer at work or home and know that health care bill could have been passed way before President Obama took his oath and the Blacks went in hiding in Washington,D.C.The day our President took office,Congress should have demoted Superior Judge for messing up the ceremony and it was painful for Judge Stevens to perform his duty and for VP Cheney to not stand and use a wheelchair and the most dumb excuse he was packing and I would bet he doesn't even lift a pen to sign his name.I still respect President Bush because I believe he was ill advised on many issues and found out many of his Republicans were not supporting him ,but he has not openly in any manner disrespected President Obama like losers Sarah Palin and her running buddy for President.Ms Lee its time to be vocal and visible if you return back to Washington and prioity is to support the President and his agenda.This President is well educated and cares for all people under the constitution.We don't need to waste tax money on gay issues,when gays/lesbians have fought in wars and served this country since the military era existed and why are we deciding on what and who should have a wedding ceremony.We are only responsible for our salvation and if people want to marry same sex will it change our plight in life or sleeping habits or morals.Less all be on the front line and really fight for the safety,health and education/housing for all children.President Obama has released money and in my area people are benefited from health and dental care except Blacks in California.My neighbor even told me how the electric company*EDISON) wanted to know if she need air conditioning and she had just had one put in by her children and she called to see had they contacted me.Black Caucus need to make sure these programs are getting to Blacks.I live in an area where very few Blacks resides and People communicate and its not pretty,when you see the local officials in California making more than the President of the USA.Shame on all Americans that sit back and not help each other.Now, they are not supporting the President to give us seniors another 250 dollars this year.Do you know with an extra 250 ,you could go to Sizzlers and Applebees and not feel guilty eating or thinking about you need to hold that 20 for water/toilet paper/peanut butter/bread.We all for one month felt human and its the individuals with multi money and never giving a senior a meal or pay for medicine/utility bill.Black Caucus members don't visit or call but the President understands the needs of the elderly and all poor people that have lost jobs and incomes and Congress is fighting the President over simple life issues that all of us should have the same health care.These doctors will help the enemy from other countries get well before they will operate on a poor person that has worked all their life.Our medicare is not free folks,that 95+ dollars is taken before you get your check.Medical is not free,you must sign papers yearly or quarterly and itemized every dime and when you die they will take your home for settlement of your debt.So all that ignorance about Blacks on the government is ignorant talk,the seniors have paid.
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By: Ms Ann on 10/19/2010 7:25PM
We want President Obama to continue his agenda another four years and not be under a microscope.America can not be taken ,when God bless this country for all mankind and opportunities for us to be givers and care for all mankind needs.How many Black Caucus went to New Orleans and supported the oil spill on the gulf or spoke on behalf of Congress or the President.Why would 21 attorney generals are going to court to deny people to have healthcare?Where was Black Caucus sanging ,Oh it will Pass.Now, at the crossroad again and they are fighting about 250 dollars the President want to give Seniors.WHY!!!Do you know how much breakfast food cost and many seniors can't afford fruit or nuts and when the YWCA delivers my meals the small tray of food is frozen,the seven slices of bred is cold and wrapped in saran and not careful it breaks up in your hand(its the cheapest bread on the stand)my fruit is frozen,so I must wait until the next day to eat one bananna and the aplles are bruise and lost it taste,so to get an extra 250 you can have a 10 dollar meal in a restaurant and buy fruit at the dollar store.Ms Lee,how many times have you gave an unknown senior a grocery card or paid a utility bill.Healthcare is working but in my suburb in California all the majority of staff is Hispanic and my city doesn't have that many hispanic homeowners,so it must be reverse racism and you can't get dental care or medical care and its a new building.A government funded building and resource should hire a balance of all ethnic groups but not in California.The federal government should do inventory on all these cities and police forces and see they make more than the President and its a shame.Just in Diamond Bar ,Calif.A warrant was placed on a homeowner for his car in his driveway with a flat tire and he went to jail.Some of these cities charge you 250 dollars if they see your trash can.Open season to attack what little money a senior has and come up with fees.Don't e-mail or call your government representatives they on breakfast or lunch break.
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By: Mimi on 10/20/2010 9:17PM
Brothers Charles and David Koch, with a combined worth around $35 billion dollars, are waging a war against President Obama. The Koch brothers are the majority owners in Koch Industries, America's second-largest private company with revenues of $100 billion in 2009, and 80,000 employees in 60 countries. Koch Industries main source of revenue is from the manufacturing, refining, and distribution of petroleum.
http://www.examiner.com/foreign-policy-in-san-diego/the-root-cause-of-the-koch-obama-war
Products by Koch:
Industry/Georgia-Pacific Products:
Angel Soft toilet paper
Brawny paper towels
Dixie plates, bowls, napkins and cups
Mardi Gras napkins and towels
Quilted Northern toilet paper
Soft 'n Gentle toilet paper
Sparkle napkins
Vanity fair napkins
Zee napkins
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By: aliousalam on 11/03/2010 9:44AM
Dear Congress woman,
I am was shocked today when the president announced the bill for the advancement and training of latinos, while no such bill has been explicit for African Americans since the more than 300 years that they can vote. Why? Why is it that everyone including the government and major companies have reserved positions, jobs, and now training for latinos, when blacks have none that bare their name? When would the black caucus start to stand squarely up for blacks rather than make excuses for why they can't do something bearing the name of Black people? They are all afraid to be labeled racists, but latino advocates and politicians are not. I see that latinos are teaching high school latino in America history in Arizona, while African Americans are still to take such a move and tell their history in their own words or deliver a bill to save African Americas from poverty. Such a bill is necessary today than at any time because the Blacks were first to be fired and are still unemployed because they would be last to be hired when companies would need workers. In fact, their skills are all obsolete by now because they have been so long unemployed. There should be a special bill to retrain American American and to create jobs and businesses for African Americans. Not a dum generality bill burried in many perks for unemployed for which they wouldn't qualify anyway. I want specifics for the advancement of Blacks.
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By: Michael Rankin on 10/22/2010 12:39PM
Get your history straight. African Americans have not been allowed to vote for the last 300 years. The emancipation proclamation was not until 1863 and the 14th amandment to the U.S. Constitution was not until 1868 and the Voting Rights Act did not pass until 1965. As a practical matter, African-Americans have generally had the vote since 1965. less than 50 years ago. Frankly, I am, at this point, against any bill that specifically directs its efforts toward any one group.
We need to get EVERYONE back to work regardless of their skin color or language.
BTW, Latino is not, to my knowledge a language. Most Latinos speak Spanish or a dialect thereof as well as English. Brazilians speak Portugese. The closest thing to "Latino" is Latin which is a dead language used primarily by the Catholic Church to promote inner stability of the Scriptures and prevent translations that are not in accord with Church dogma. The Romanian people also speak a dialect that is very close to the Classical Latin.
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By: Johhny P on 10/19/2010 8:53PM
Yep lady... blame it on the Republicans! Quit martyring yourself and take responsibility in rational ways. Wealthy business owners, Dems or republicans, should not be punished for working hard and sticking their necks out to try and succeed. It is their pursuit of the American Drean that employs the rest of us who don't have the energy and/or guts to get ahead. Instead we are happy working for someone else and we must accept the fact that when the big guys get hurt we get hurt also. So unless we step up we can't complain. I'm sick of the blame game. Buck up and quit pointing fingers at the ones that have. They have becausse they worked harder than you. They provided you with money, benefits and a purpose to life. And their is nothing wrong with working for someone else, but we now realize that in desperate times they can't save us. They will look out for their families first.
So let's try and keep the employers healthy and fat so they can do what they do....EMPLOY.
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By: Pedro Baez on 10/20/2010 10:29AM
The other thing that the Chair of the CBC didn't mention was apathy. Many of us who are currently in this situation of unemployment and underemployment, feel lost, embarrassed, and worse useless. We know that the recession isn't our fault, however we get to the point of not caring anymore. We can't allow this to happen. We have to stay focused, keep our eyes on the prize. We need to get the vote out and stop the assault by the Tea Party. If we don't, it will a disaster for the President and for the nation.
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By: Grant on 10/20/2010 1:45PM
Pedro, with this president and your democratic party that has been in power all but a few years the past 60 years, this is a disaster, Keep voting democratic and see how much they changed things for you to work and not be on welfare. get educated, don't make it racist for everything,thin of yourselves as americans and not african americans.
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