By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Mar 1st 2011 7:35PM
Filed under: Dr. Boyce Money
The
workers of Wisconsin have had it. They are tired of living in a country where jobs are being shipped overseas, and wages continue to decline in real dollar terms. They are not going to tolerate having their collective bargaining power undermined, and they are fed up with politicians who allow the rich to continue to get tax breaks while our state and federal governments become bogged down with debt.
They are taking a stand, sleeping inside the Capital building and practically daring the police to do something about it. They are living up to the truest essence of what America was meant to be. Whether you agree with their mission or not, you absolutely must respect their courage.
When it comes to our issues, black folks just don't fight like that. Sure, in the 1960s, some of us stood with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the struggle for civil rights. But since that time, we've become complacent and quiet. Obtaining another ounce of bling or a two car garage has become worth the price of our soul. Most of our entertainers and athletes don't take stands on issues other than their own bank accounts. We sit idly by after nearly any injustice because we've all agreed that it's alright to be selfish. Sure, we'll complain all day behind closed doors, but when it comes to standing up to the powers that be, we find a million and one reasons to sit back down.
As a result, we have politicians who ignore our needs. Our community suffers from the highest rates of unemployment, bankruptcy and foreclosure of any group in America. Our fathers and brothers are being
incarcerated by the truckload, and you barely hear a wimper even from the professional athletes who grew up in their very same neighborhoods. We show up to the club in full force, with bottles of Cristal in hand, but when organizers ask us to come to the rally, we simply do not have the time.
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Van Jones: Quotes on Green
On the Grassroots Success of His Book:
"Jones ultimately attributes the success of the book's marketing campaign to what he calls the 'invisible network of networks,' and he thinks this 'network effect' is here to stay. 'There are too many products coming from too many directions, people ignore the hype,' he said. 'But if you're in a network that's about respect and reciprocity, people will take action.'"
Vanjones.net
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Van Jones: Quotes on Green
On the Grassroots Success of His Book: "Jones ultimately attributes the success of the book's marketing campaign to what he calls the 'invisible network of networks,' and he thinks this 'network effect' is here to stay. 'There are too many products coming from too many directions, people ignore the hype,' he said. 'But if you're in a network that's about respect and reciprocity, people will take action.'"
Van Jones: Quotes on Green
Why the Hood and the Elite Need to Meet: "Among African-Americans, you have many who will ask you, 'What do polar bears and hybrid cars have to do with my situation?'... And then, mainstream environmentalists will say, 'What do prisons and failing schools have to do with the environment?'... We talk about 'disposability' -- the idea that we have throw-away species and throw-away resources. We also think that we have throw-away children and throw-away neighborhoods."
Van Jones: Quotes on Green
Why Green is a Black Issue: "The only reason that we have the unsustainable accounting that we have right now is because incinerators, dumping grounds, and sacrifice zones were put where poor people live. It would never have been allowed if you had to put all the incinerators and nasty stuff in rich people's neighborhoods; we'd have had a sustainable economy a long time ago... We don't want to be first and worst with all the toxins and all the negative effects of global warming, and then benefit last and least from all the breakthroughs in solar, wind energy, organic food, all the positives. We want an equal share, an equitable share, of the work wealth and the benefits of the transition to a green economy."
Van Jones: Quotes on Green
The Future for Our Children: "From the point of view of planetary survival, every job needs to be a green job... there will be a need to focus much more on math and science and the need for technological innovation and invention. We're focused on those young people who may not have college in their future. We want to make sure that we bring back vocational arts. We see a need for vocational skills training, a need for a well-paid green-collar workforce in the United States that can install solar panels, weatherize, retrofit buildings, do rainwater management, and construct buildings that are smarter with regard to energy and water. We think that the sooner those values get inculcated in young people, the better off we'll be."
Van Jones: Quotes on Green
Seeing and Making the Connections: "If we can get these youth in on the ground floor of the solar industry now, where they can be installers today, they'll become managers in five years and owners in 10. And then they become inventors... The green economy has the power to deliver new sources of work, wealth and health to low-income people -- while honoring the Earth. If you can do that, you just wiped out a whole bunch of problems. We can make what is good for poor black kids good for the polar bears and good for the country."
Van Jones: Quotes on Green
Moving From Consumption to Creation: "Well, for too long, we powered the U.S. economy with consumption, not production... massive debt, not smart savings... and environmental destruction, not restoration. Those days are over. To green the economy, we stop borrowing and start building. We stop relying on credit from overseas; we start relying on creativity here at home. And we generate jobs by protecting America's beauty, not destroying it. We can turn this breakdown into a breakthrough -- if we make clean energy the cornerstone of the new economy, not credit cards. Green-collar jobs will save our economy, not just the Earth."
Van Jones: Quotes on Green
Praising Obama's Stimulus Plan: "It's an especially exciting moment for me and my colleagues at Green For All, the Apollo Alliance, the Workforce Alliance and the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights. The stimulus includes $500 million for green jobs training -- funding we've been trying to get for two years. That means that the recovery package won't just stimulate the green economy. It will also make sure that the green economy includes pathways out of poverty for low-income people and people of color."
Van Jones: Quotes on Green
Green Jobs as Prosperity's Key: "Green-collar jobs are not fictional or far-off. The Center for American Progress and PERI just put out a 'Green Recovery' report. It showed that a $100 billion federal investment would create two million new, green-collar jobs -- in just TWO years. That's just helping America deploy our existing, off-the-shelf technologies and proven solutions. No technological breakthroughs needed. And some of that pays for itself, in energy savings. So when you think about the green economy, don't think about Buck Rogers. Think about Joe Sixpack -- putting on a green hard hat and going off to fix America. Think about Rosie the Riveter -- manufacturing solar arrays and wind turbines."
Van Jones: Quotes on Green
Jones' New Position in the Obama Administration: "The title is special adviser for green jobs, enterprise and innovation... As we begin to move toward a clean-energy economy, we have an opportunity to have equal opportunity from the very beginning, making sure all Americans can take part... Part of my job description does have me available to advocate publicly, but I think we're going to be focusing primarily internally for the near term... I'm the green-jobs handyman. I'm there to serve. I'm there to help as a leader in the field of green jobs, which is a new field."
Van Jones: Quotes on Green
Van Jones Has Arrived in Washington: "Last Friday, I had the immense honor of speaking at the first meeting of Vice President Joe Biden's new White House Task Force for Middle Class Working Families. Vice President Biden launched his Task Force with a discussion of how green jobs could help build a strong middle class. And he asked me to chime in from Green For All. What a measure of how far our green jobs movement has come. We've brought to light real solutions to the economic and environmental problems facing the country. And we've done it so well and so beautifully that the White House itself wants to hear what we have to say -- and wants to make sure everyone else is listening, too."
Van Jones: Quotes on Green
Of course this seemingly cynical analysis doesn't apply to all of us. There are some in our community who are willing to fight for what they believe in. But I can't help but wonder why, for example, the National Black Law Student Association (whose president I actually respect) spends more time connecting students with prominent law firms than it does exonerating black men who've been falsely incarcerated. I also wonder why most Black Greek letter organizations are very good at holding parties and conferences, and even engaging in community service, but not so good at raising a little bit of hell over the fact that our community is dying.
Perhaps we can learn from the proactive spirit of the Wisconsin workers, who have truly embraced a ride-or-die attitude when it comes to organizing and fighting for their beliefs. Our celebrities and athletes can also learn from the group of billionaires (including Warren Buffett, Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey) who've all agreed to give half of their fortunes to charity upon their deaths. To date, I only see
Diddy giving half-million dollar cars to his kid and other prominent African Americans who think that our problems are somebody else's problem. There may come a time when we choose to truly embody the spirits of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jesus and others, who understand that a life worth living is a life committed to something greater than yourself. Until we rise above the simple paper chase and stop being afraid, we are always going to have the same problems. The workers of Wisconsin have learned this lesson. Will we?
Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here. To follow Dr. Boyce on Facebook,
please click here.
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By: Ms B on 3/03/2011 1:28AM
I don think thats all true. You have black folks that are standing up for their rights whether its being nationally recognized or not.It usually takes some tragedy for things to get notice like Hurricane Katrina and Haiti for example. I know personally, I have tried to do things to raise awarness and to promote untiy and upliftment in my community for years and none of these black worhties, writers and intellectuals have even gave me a ounce of advice but so quick to say what my generation is not doing. I stood up for injustices thats going in in my state and my black behind became black listed and could not find a job because of it. So some folks are tired of standing alone, putting their necks out there and there is no support for them.
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By: elitasacramento on 3/02/2011 12:26PM
Ms B has it right! Here is another point to consider: How long will it take 10, 20, 500 years before people like Dr Watkins get that we have done everything short of blowing ourselves up in the town square at the cry of injustice. When will people of Dr Watkins (ikle)open their eyes that what ails us and this global community only Divine intervention and justice to cure. We need not march anymore (please don't) and ask for mercy 'from a heart that doesn't have any' -Min. Farakahn quote
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By: Kathy DeShazor on 3/02/2011 1:22AM
Do appreciate your viewpoint here. But I think we must remember that alot of the progressive and conscious movement was spearheaded by a black conscious collective albiet this phenomenon might be considered old hat now. Why, I too believe its because of the influx of drugs and othe insidious devices designed to erode the spirit of
resistenance as set forth by cointelpro and hegemonic practices. Thus, its disconcerting to once again witness the hubris and arrogance exhibited by the dominant culture when we as Blacks succumb to external conditioning meant to debilitate us and/or induce us to loose focus of what our priorities should and could be again. I have faith that while it may seem we are loosing battles we too will ultimately come full circle and win this war for peace and solvency etc. I believe the creator is just waiting for us to individually and collectively make the decision to elevate our inner spirit. Could this be why the materialist and inhumane try to destroy our "soul" at every chance, because they know thats where our strength and their weakness lie. Thereby, I beieve we have to hope, pray, meditate etc on the prospect of truly fair minded and decent people finding the courage to embrace the concept of "doing you". Even if this means going against the grain. We've been there, done that. Now we just have to pick up the baton and/or renew our resolve and continue to aspire to do it in a more transformative way.
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By: Greg on 3/02/2011 4:09AM
I appreciate your words, but in all reality until black people begin to show some serious signs of collectively working together for the benefit of themselves, then nothing is ever going to change! Also, until we as a people cease to be dependent on white people then we'[re only spinning our wheels as usual! I always find it strange how black folks will come here online attacking white people...the very same people that are taking care of them! And, get all upset, because they only want more, and more for doing absolutely nothing! In all truth white people, and those Americans that are not white are sick, and tired of taking care of black people! What do we manufacture? We can't even feed ourselves! If, white people ceased making shoes tomorrow, believe me in a short timeframe lots of black people would be shoeless! Even, when shoes are readily available, then we'd rather buy ...as usual tennis shoes! in way too many cases, and situations black people only continue to "talk the talk, but continually fail to walk the walk! Most, Black people are more concerned about drug consumption, having more OOW babies that they already know they can't take care of, sex, and partying! There are two black Americas, one that continues to embrace the welfare, thugdom, being ghetto, criminality, and in general dependence from white people! And, with so-called leaders like Al Sharpton we as a people are viewed as being the perpetual joke of the week! that's not on white people, that's on us, but we don't desire, or want o address our accountability, or such I say lack of! So, what can we learn about what's going on in Wisconsin? Probably in truth, not much! Because so it seems we're not learning much of anything that seems to be of great benefit to our own people. Sadly, it's been that way for the pass fifty years!
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By: slkwrml on 3/02/2011 1:51AM
Boyce,Van Jones believes in the bull social justice as in redistribution of wealth,Obama and Jones are both closet communist wake up people before its to late.
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By: Keith on 3/03/2011 8:54AM
Here we go again with the conspiracy theory. Can we please speak with common sense?!!!!
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By: rh1994 on 3/02/2011 7:26AM
I'm tired of hearing Obamas trying to redistrubite the wealth, the wealth has been distrubited to the wealthy for the last 40 years & the republicans are planing to keep this up !!!!
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By: Dianne on 3/03/2011 2:47PM
Just the person whom I want to lay this on --
http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2007/07/the-progressive-movement-and-the-transformation-of-american-politics
First of all Progressive Activism took place in my great grandparents generation and I have just a quarter century to go but then I never intended to live to be 100 although one of my forebears nearly made it just short of three years. I am refering distinctly to Progressives in Wisconsin. They had a lot to do with the founding of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, on the other end of the long straight street from the Capitol Bldg of Madison.
I have one word of warning that you must heed about the web-site that I have cited above. Take it all with a grain of salt for a general outline because I noticed the bottom line mentioning the writer is the Director of the Hudson Institute's Bradley Center for Philanthropy and Civic Renewal.
My immediate response to this was "good lord!, here we go again...", because I know these people, personally, who made this effort to keep the schools of Milwaukee and other Wisconsin locations from becoming integrated despite half a century of work on the part of Attorney Lloyd Barbee, until his death and his explicit arrangement that none of the civic leaders should be notified of any invitation to his funeral. I had known him almost that long since he attended UW-Madison, and he was in one sense my lawyer in regard to the protection of my minor son in a strongly segregated social environment which was often fascist in inclination; and, I must specify that the Bradley Center was founded on the interests of an industrial company known in Wisconsin's largest Lake Michigan lakefront-city as never having hired a nonwhite/ person of color in their company history.
That said, it is true that Progressives were in some sense a post-Civil War movement but the locale in Wisconsin would have something to do also with John Brown and the Raid on Harper's Ferry along the Mississippi River territory before you reach Prairie du Chien, or Sac Prairie,or the site of the Indian Wars against whom Abraham Lincoln led the militia after the first settlers had been attacked and massacred by the Sauk and the Fox.
If you feel like being brought up to date, Matt Rothschild still edits and publishs The Progressive, from Madison, Wisconsin.
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By: JBgood on 3/02/2011 8:16AM
Why don't the people of wisconsin simply RECALL the GOV,like we did GREY Davis in California.
Get signatures,and RECALL this mad man.
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By: Averyl on 3/02/2011 9:08PM
And thats why CA is bankrupt, and looking for a gov hand out. There is nothing to learn from Wis but how americans have become so greedy that they do not care about their country we are broke. This is all about union power in government. Public sector workers do not need collective bargaining they have the right to work law, taxpayers pay pubic sectors pay there is no revenue for the country like private sector workers, Dr. Boyce never talks about that because like most think black people are stupid, do not want to read and only care about themselves, I got to shine I got to get mind. Obama is bought and paid for by the unions and he is not going against them especially not for black people. When we stop blaming white people for everything and put respect and dignity in our communites we will come out of this ghettoism, until then not matter who we have in the white house we will always be victims.
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