Lost in all of the hoopla this week over the "State of this" and the "State of that" was a report from UW-Milwaukee that found just 45-percent of working age African-American men in the Milwaukee actually have a job. When the economy was "better" in 2008, that percentage was still just 53-percent. The study blames the exodus of manufacturing jobs out of Milwaukee, high incarceration rates for black males in the metro area and a lack of transportation options to the suburbs--where most of the jobs are now available.
When you consider that "working age" is 18-60, that represents nearly three entire generations of African-Americans that have basically dropped out of society--becoming comfortable with living on the dole--or choosing to make their livings outside the law. That would explain the 5,000 black men who are incarcerated in the Milwaukee area every year.
So, what is the solution? I have three radical suggestions.
Option 1: A complete takeover of the African-American community by the government. Every unemployed black person will be assigned three "state guardians". Those guardians will work rotating eight hour shift making sure that their "customer" is trying to get a job, showing up to work if they get a job, driving them to the job, making sure that they are doing what they are getting paid to do, keeping them from being disrespectul to their bosses, making sure they aren't wasting whatever money they make on alcohol, drugs, weapons or 20-inch rims, ensuring that they get to bed early enough to be well-rested and that they aren't engaging in unprotected sex--thereby not adding to the number of single-parent families.
To ensure future generations don't get themselves in the same mess. We should assign three guardians to each child in the Milwaukee Public School District. They will make sure that the kids actually show up for class, pay attention in class, eat their school breakfasts and lunches, do their homework, don't bring weapons or drugs to school, don't spend all their free time running the streets, playing video games or chatting on the internet, not being mistreated at home, and aren't engaging in unprotected sex--thereby not adding to the number of teen parent families.
Milwaukee schools should be rebuilt to provide the same opportunities as those in other parts of the state--meaning every school should have a multiple-function fieldhouse, a performing arts center, a solarium ( like at Bay Port) and a planetarium (like they have at Wausau West). And transportation needs to be improved--so buses need to run up and down every street every ten minutes--and we should probably add some light rail and some trolleys as well. I would put the cost of Option 1 at about 1 Trillion dollars--annually.
Option 2 (and remember we are being radical in our thinking here): Legalize illicit drugs--but only allow African-Americans licensed by the government to sell them. This is the same approach the Government took with an equally-depressed Native American population back in the 1980's when it gave them the right to operate casino gambling. When you consider that two guys who moved from Chicago to Oshkosh were able to move $2.5 million dollars of heroin and cocaine in less than three years, this is probably the most lucrative option for the black community. The drop in drug-related prison and jail sentences would save taxpayers a ton of money as well.
And then we have the most outrageous idea: Option 3: Have those in the African-American community in Milwaukee stand up and say "We are sick of this" and take action to demand more from their brothers and sisters. They could certainly do most of the steps I outlined in Option 1--without being paid to do it. Unfortunately, I think we will hear far more calls for Options 1 and even 2 before we see any action on Option 3.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
The State of Me
Since we are getting updates on the "State of" everything else this week.......
My fellow fiscally responsible Americans, the state of Jonathan is improving. (STANDING OVATION)
After two years of reduced income, personal setbacks and challenges, Jonathan is coming back (STANDING OVATION).
Jonathan saw the smallest increase in his property taxes in the four years since becoming a homeowner (EXTENDED STANDING OVATION)
By the end of this week, Jonathan should know if he ended up paying less in personal income taxes--both federal and state--this year. And if I do, how I will end up using the excess to help stimulate the economy (STANDING OVATION).
Jonathan became more energy efficient in the last year by installing new windows in his house. And the milder winter that may be due to global climate change has lowered my heating bills as well (STANDING OVATION).
Jonathan remains debt free (LONGEST AND LOUDEST STANDING OVATION OF THE NIGHT). And Jonathan has returned to putting money away for neccessary large purchases in the future like a new car for his wife (STANDING OVATION AS CAMERA SWITCHES TO MY WIFE IN THE GALLERY) and new carpeting in the bedrooms.
Past fiscal responsibility allowed Jonathan to refinance my house at nearly half the previous interest rate--and substantially reduce my monthly payment--allowing for even greater contributions to the savings account each month (ANOTHER LONG AND LOUD STANDING OVATION).
And who can forget the Boston Bruins ending 39-years of frustration for Jonathan by finally winning a Stanley Cup Championship. (STANDING OVATION WITH CHANTS OF "BRUINS! BRUINS!)
Perhaps most importantly, Jonathan has trimmed three strokes off his golf handicap--and I continue to move toward my goal of becoming eligible to qualify for the State and US Mid-Amateur golf tournaments (STANDING OVATION WITH LOTS OF WHOOPING AND HOLLERING).
However, Jonathan is still facing challenges. I am about five pounds over my ideal weight (CONCERNED GRUMBLE). Jonathan has also passed the two year mark in waiting to adopt my first child. And Jonathan is still looking at not getting a raise anytime in the near future--as costs for gas, food and other necessities continue to rise.
Things are getting better for Jonathan, but we must remain ever vigilant and resist the temptation to go back to ways that set us back in the past. Thank you and ON WISCONSIN! (FINAL EXTENDED STANDING OVATION).
My fellow fiscally responsible Americans, the state of Jonathan is improving. (STANDING OVATION)
After two years of reduced income, personal setbacks and challenges, Jonathan is coming back (STANDING OVATION).
Jonathan saw the smallest increase in his property taxes in the four years since becoming a homeowner (EXTENDED STANDING OVATION)
By the end of this week, Jonathan should know if he ended up paying less in personal income taxes--both federal and state--this year. And if I do, how I will end up using the excess to help stimulate the economy (STANDING OVATION).
Jonathan became more energy efficient in the last year by installing new windows in his house. And the milder winter that may be due to global climate change has lowered my heating bills as well (STANDING OVATION).
Jonathan remains debt free (LONGEST AND LOUDEST STANDING OVATION OF THE NIGHT). And Jonathan has returned to putting money away for neccessary large purchases in the future like a new car for his wife (STANDING OVATION AS CAMERA SWITCHES TO MY WIFE IN THE GALLERY) and new carpeting in the bedrooms.
Past fiscal responsibility allowed Jonathan to refinance my house at nearly half the previous interest rate--and substantially reduce my monthly payment--allowing for even greater contributions to the savings account each month (ANOTHER LONG AND LOUD STANDING OVATION).
And who can forget the Boston Bruins ending 39-years of frustration for Jonathan by finally winning a Stanley Cup Championship. (STANDING OVATION WITH CHANTS OF "BRUINS! BRUINS!)
Perhaps most importantly, Jonathan has trimmed three strokes off his golf handicap--and I continue to move toward my goal of becoming eligible to qualify for the State and US Mid-Amateur golf tournaments (STANDING OVATION WITH LOTS OF WHOOPING AND HOLLERING).
However, Jonathan is still facing challenges. I am about five pounds over my ideal weight (CONCERNED GRUMBLE). Jonathan has also passed the two year mark in waiting to adopt my first child. And Jonathan is still looking at not getting a raise anytime in the near future--as costs for gas, food and other necessities continue to rise.
Things are getting better for Jonathan, but we must remain ever vigilant and resist the temptation to go back to ways that set us back in the past. Thank you and ON WISCONSIN! (FINAL EXTENDED STANDING OVATION).
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Credit Where It Is Due
I have to give credit today to a few people who have earned it.
First, a ton of credit to Congresswoman Gabriel Giffords for stepping down from her office. By doing so Giffords spares those living in her Arizona district from what would have been the most uncomfortable campaign in recent memory. Given the extent and effects of the injuries she suffered in the shooting last year, her ability to perform the duties of the job would have been a fair topic of discussion and debate for any candidate from either party that chose to challenge Giffords. But, any candidate choosing to even refer to the issue would have been demonized as "uncaring", "vicious" or "opportunistic". Now, any campaign for Giffords' district can focus on the issues (unless of course a candidate has been arrested, divorced several times or worked for a private equity firm).
Credit also goes to the University of Wisconsin-Madison for learning the lessons of the Penn State scandal and releasing its investigation into allegations of sexual assault against Associate Athletic Director John Chadima without forcing the media to file Freedom of Information requests. Chadima came under investigation during the Badgers Rose Bowl trip for allegedly grabbing the genitals of a male Athletic Department employee--then threatening to fire the kid if he said anything. Chadima resigned a few days after the team returned from Pasadena--so we don't have to worry about a Jerry Sandusky still-allowed-to-hang-around-the-football-facility situation in Madison. Now Barry Alvarez has to hope there isn't a parade of former employees coming forward saying Chadima assaulted them as well--and nobody did anything about it.
And finally some credit to State Representative Richard Spanbauer. Spanbauer announced yesterday that he will not run for re-election this year--after facing backlash within his own party for his vote on the Collective Bargaining Law last year. Granted, most GOP power-brokers always thought Dick was a Democratic operative sent to infiltrate the party and report back on its strategies through his neighbor in the 54th District--but Representative Spanbauer voted his concience knowing full-well it would likely cost him his seat. If nothing else, it is a departure from the normal in both Madison and Washington where just being part of the show is more important than what you actually accomplish on stage.
First, a ton of credit to Congresswoman Gabriel Giffords for stepping down from her office. By doing so Giffords spares those living in her Arizona district from what would have been the most uncomfortable campaign in recent memory. Given the extent and effects of the injuries she suffered in the shooting last year, her ability to perform the duties of the job would have been a fair topic of discussion and debate for any candidate from either party that chose to challenge Giffords. But, any candidate choosing to even refer to the issue would have been demonized as "uncaring", "vicious" or "opportunistic". Now, any campaign for Giffords' district can focus on the issues (unless of course a candidate has been arrested, divorced several times or worked for a private equity firm).
Credit also goes to the University of Wisconsin-Madison for learning the lessons of the Penn State scandal and releasing its investigation into allegations of sexual assault against Associate Athletic Director John Chadima without forcing the media to file Freedom of Information requests. Chadima came under investigation during the Badgers Rose Bowl trip for allegedly grabbing the genitals of a male Athletic Department employee--then threatening to fire the kid if he said anything. Chadima resigned a few days after the team returned from Pasadena--so we don't have to worry about a Jerry Sandusky still-allowed-to-hang-around-the-football-facility situation in Madison. Now Barry Alvarez has to hope there isn't a parade of former employees coming forward saying Chadima assaulted them as well--and nobody did anything about it.
And finally some credit to State Representative Richard Spanbauer. Spanbauer announced yesterday that he will not run for re-election this year--after facing backlash within his own party for his vote on the Collective Bargaining Law last year. Granted, most GOP power-brokers always thought Dick was a Democratic operative sent to infiltrate the party and report back on its strategies through his neighbor in the 54th District--but Representative Spanbauer voted his concience knowing full-well it would likely cost him his seat. If nothing else, it is a departure from the normal in both Madison and Washington where just being part of the show is more important than what you actually accomplish on stage.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Tea Party Hockey
I would like to welcome members of the Tea Party to the Boston Bruins Bandwagon. The 2011 Stanley Cup Champions (I will NEVER get tired of saying that) have become the new darling of the Tea Partiers after my favorite player--goaltender Tim Thomas--refused to accompany the team to the White House yesterday for the annual photo op with President Obama.
The team issued a statement saying that Timmy passed on the trip because of "personal political reasons." Later in the day, Thomas--who is one of just two Americans on the Bruins--issued a statement on his Facebook page:
“I believe the federal government has grown out of control, threatening the rights, liberties, and property of the people. This is being done at the executive, legislative, and judicial level. This is in direct opposition to the Constitution and the Founding Fathers’ vision for the federal government. Because I believe this, today I exercised my right as a free citizen and did not visit the White House. This was not about politics or party, as in my opinion, both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country. This was about a choice I had to make as an individual.’’
Thomas was immediately assailed in the blogosphere and Twittersphere for stiffing the President--with the general consensus being that Timmy should "stick to hockey". I find this ironic, as many of the same reporters and commentators have criticized Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan for failing to be more political. Jordan explained his silence with the famous phrase "Republicans buy shoes too."
It will be interesting to see how Thomas is received by the fans in Boston when they return to the TD Garden Arena later this week. Let's not forget, we are talking about Massachussetts--which gave us the Kennedeys, McGovern, Dukakis and Romney. The encroachment of Government on personal liberties apparently isn't much of a concern in the Commonwealth.
I would hope that people would consider that Tim Thomas was exercising his right as an American citizen. There is no law that says if the President wants you to see him that you have to go. And that is a beautiful thing--that the leader of the country has no right to compel you to do anything (except--according to the current administration--purchase health insurance). Compare that to the story the Beatles' former publicist--Peter Brown--tells about how the band was detained by soldiers in the Phillipines after they cancelled a visit to Imelda Marcos and her children.
Personally, I would have liked to see Timmy go to the White House--and then chop the President in the back of the knees or give him a waffleboard in the chops--just like he gives to forwards who try to camp out in front of his crease.
The team issued a statement saying that Timmy passed on the trip because of "personal political reasons." Later in the day, Thomas--who is one of just two Americans on the Bruins--issued a statement on his Facebook page:
“I believe the federal government has grown out of control, threatening the rights, liberties, and property of the people. This is being done at the executive, legislative, and judicial level. This is in direct opposition to the Constitution and the Founding Fathers’ vision for the federal government. Because I believe this, today I exercised my right as a free citizen and did not visit the White House. This was not about politics or party, as in my opinion, both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country. This was about a choice I had to make as an individual.’’
Thomas was immediately assailed in the blogosphere and Twittersphere for stiffing the President--with the general consensus being that Timmy should "stick to hockey". I find this ironic, as many of the same reporters and commentators have criticized Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan for failing to be more political. Jordan explained his silence with the famous phrase "Republicans buy shoes too."
It will be interesting to see how Thomas is received by the fans in Boston when they return to the TD Garden Arena later this week. Let's not forget, we are talking about Massachussetts--which gave us the Kennedeys, McGovern, Dukakis and Romney. The encroachment of Government on personal liberties apparently isn't much of a concern in the Commonwealth.
I would hope that people would consider that Tim Thomas was exercising his right as an American citizen. There is no law that says if the President wants you to see him that you have to go. And that is a beautiful thing--that the leader of the country has no right to compel you to do anything (except--according to the current administration--purchase health insurance). Compare that to the story the Beatles' former publicist--Peter Brown--tells about how the band was detained by soldiers in the Phillipines after they cancelled a visit to Imelda Marcos and her children.
Personally, I would have liked to see Timmy go to the White House--and then chop the President in the back of the knees or give him a waffleboard in the chops--just like he gives to forwards who try to camp out in front of his crease.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Sonic Assault
We can now add another entry to a disturbingly long list of embarrassing performances of the National Anthem before an American sporting event: http://www.tmz.com/2012/01/22/steven-tyler-national-anthem-video/
Aerosmith frontman and American Idol "judge" Steven Tyler is the latest to take a rallying point for patriots (small p) and to turn it into a sonic assault on fans.
What makes me laugh about the reaction to this latest debacle is that people were surprised that Steven Tyler couldn't sing. Has anyone ever listened to an Aerosmith song? Why do you think he fronts a 70's rock band that plays the guitars at 500-decibles?
This won't sit well with the jingoistic crowd, but I think it might be time to take a break from performing the National Anthem before sporting events. The tradition started in periods of war (WWI and WWII)--when patriotic fervor was at its highest--and when people both knew the words and could sing them. There was no need to "promote" the stars of whatever shows are on the network broadcasting the game or a singer with a new album or single. And does anyone really feel comfortable singing the song in a smaller venue, like a girls varsity basketball game with 25 people in the stands?
So let's take a break from the National Anthem at sporting events for awhile. Maybe if we go a couple of years of just having warmups, the coin-flip and the start of the game--people will start saying "I really miss singing the National Anthem--I wish they would bring that back"--and them teams (and more importantly TV networks) will bring back tasteful, in-tune presentations of the song.
EXCEPTIONS!!--Two teams are allowed to continue the pre-game anthem tradition: The Chicago Blackhawks, the originators of the "The Roar" and home of the greatest National Anthem performance in history: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvpxVE_kQXg I'm ready to hit someone everytime I hear that--and the Philadelphia Flyers, who still use Kate Smith singing God Bless America: http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=kate+smith+god+bless+america+flyers&mid=828FF19E3BAF654B39CE828FF19E3BAF654B39CE&view=detail&FORM=VIRE5
Now, THAT is how you honor America.
Aerosmith frontman and American Idol "judge" Steven Tyler is the latest to take a rallying point for patriots (small p) and to turn it into a sonic assault on fans.
What makes me laugh about the reaction to this latest debacle is that people were surprised that Steven Tyler couldn't sing. Has anyone ever listened to an Aerosmith song? Why do you think he fronts a 70's rock band that plays the guitars at 500-decibles?
This won't sit well with the jingoistic crowd, but I think it might be time to take a break from performing the National Anthem before sporting events. The tradition started in periods of war (WWI and WWII)--when patriotic fervor was at its highest--and when people both knew the words and could sing them. There was no need to "promote" the stars of whatever shows are on the network broadcasting the game or a singer with a new album or single. And does anyone really feel comfortable singing the song in a smaller venue, like a girls varsity basketball game with 25 people in the stands?
So let's take a break from the National Anthem at sporting events for awhile. Maybe if we go a couple of years of just having warmups, the coin-flip and the start of the game--people will start saying "I really miss singing the National Anthem--I wish they would bring that back"--and them teams (and more importantly TV networks) will bring back tasteful, in-tune presentations of the song.
EXCEPTIONS!!--Two teams are allowed to continue the pre-game anthem tradition: The Chicago Blackhawks, the originators of the "The Roar" and home of the greatest National Anthem performance in history: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvpxVE_kQXg I'm ready to hit someone everytime I hear that--and the Philadelphia Flyers, who still use Kate Smith singing God Bless America: http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=kate+smith+god+bless+america+flyers&mid=828FF19E3BAF654B39CE828FF19E3BAF654B39CE&view=detail&FORM=VIRE5
Now, THAT is how you honor America.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Thanks, Mr President
I wish that I could draw. I've known that I have no artistic talent since kindergarten--when my construction-paper Christmas stocking didn't turn out and my drawings of dogs, my parents and people playing baseball always had to be explained. (SIDENOTE: I hated kindergartern. My attitude was "If I need to be here this early in the morning, let's at least read something or learn about dinosaurs or airplanes. I don't need to sing songs or draw my house, thank you." First grade and getting to do math and science was welcome relief.) Anyway....If I could draw I'd create this fantastic political cartoon summing up President Obama's decision to deny a permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline from the oil sands of Western Canada to refineries in Texas.
On the left side of the panel I would draw a house engulfed in flames--with a couple and their baby out on the 2nd story ledge calling for help. The people would be labeled "Middle Class Americans"--while the flames would be labeled "Rising Energy Prices" and "Dependence on Middle East Oil".
On the right side of the panel would be a hydrant to which firefighters have attached a hose. The hydrant would be labeled Canadian Oil Sands (we could put a little Maple Leaf flag on there too to reinforce the idea)--while the hose would be labeled the "Keystone XL Pipeline".
Then smack dab in the middle of the panel would be President Obama standing on the lawn in front of the White House. He would be preventing the firefighters--whom we will label "unemployed construction workers"--from going over the White House property line by holding up his left hand and saying in his first quote bubble: "I'm sorry, but I can't let you run your hose across my property." In his second quote bubble I'd have President Obama saying "I suggest you use this instead"--as he holds out in his right hand a pinwheel--with the Solyndra logo on it.
I think that pretty much sums up the decision from the White House this week--"Yes, I could open the door to an energy source provided by our friendly neighbors to the north with a project that would put thousands of Americans to work--but I have to solidify support from my base for this year's election and they want me to continue throwing taxpayer money at a solution that will never come close to actually meeting our needs."
If only I could draw....then I could just sit back and wait for the Pulitzer Prize to be delivered.
On the left side of the panel I would draw a house engulfed in flames--with a couple and their baby out on the 2nd story ledge calling for help. The people would be labeled "Middle Class Americans"--while the flames would be labeled "Rising Energy Prices" and "Dependence on Middle East Oil".
On the right side of the panel would be a hydrant to which firefighters have attached a hose. The hydrant would be labeled Canadian Oil Sands (we could put a little Maple Leaf flag on there too to reinforce the idea)--while the hose would be labeled the "Keystone XL Pipeline".
Then smack dab in the middle of the panel would be President Obama standing on the lawn in front of the White House. He would be preventing the firefighters--whom we will label "unemployed construction workers"--from going over the White House property line by holding up his left hand and saying in his first quote bubble: "I'm sorry, but I can't let you run your hose across my property." In his second quote bubble I'd have President Obama saying "I suggest you use this instead"--as he holds out in his right hand a pinwheel--with the Solyndra logo on it.
I think that pretty much sums up the decision from the White House this week--"Yes, I could open the door to an energy source provided by our friendly neighbors to the north with a project that would put thousands of Americans to work--but I have to solidify support from my base for this year's election and they want me to continue throwing taxpayer money at a solution that will never come close to actually meeting our needs."
If only I could draw....then I could just sit back and wait for the Pulitzer Prize to be delivered.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Oh The Hypocrisy!!
I'm glad to see that the internet remains safe for the unauthorized broadcast and distribution of copyrighted TV shows, movies and music. You may have seen the ballyhoo yesterday as websites like Wikipedia and Google "blacked out" some content as a form of protest over what they feel is undeserved Government regulation of the "freedoms" of the internet. Their argument is that while the anti-piracy legislation would not affect them directly--it would "open the door" to further Government regulation of internet content down the road. The public outcry fostered by these "brave stands" have lawmakers in Washington now backtracking faster than Vice President Joe Biden after being allowed to say anything at a public function.
I'm sorry, but aren't these the very same people who have been demanding more Government regulation of health care, banking, Wall Street, food production, tobacco use, vehicle emissions, sex education in schools, product safety, air travel, political advertising, wages, energy use, cellular phone rates, recycling, what light bulbs we can use in our homes, home mortgages, hiring practices, mining, and oil drilling--to name just a few? Amazing isn't it, that as soon as Uncle Sam comes to the wild, wild west of the internet and wants to lay down a few laws--suddenly the Government is trying to take away our freedoms!!
And this is liberal-on-liberal violence that we are trying to prevent here! How can Disney continue to afford to provide benefits to the same-sex partners of its employees if people are just downloading illegal copies of Toy Story 3 instead of buying the Blu-Ray/DVD +BD Live combo packs for for $30.99? And if people watch secretly-videotaped posts of their new release movies--instead of actually going to the theater--how will Sean Penn afford to provide rescue boats for the people "Republicans don't care about" after our next hurricane? And how will Steven Spielberg be able to host gala Hollywood fundraising receptions for President Obama?
I guess none of this outcry over trying to make people actually pay for something that has value should surprise us. Especially when we're dealing with those who think health care, higher education and transportation should all be "magically" provided to everyone "for free" as well.
I'm sorry, but aren't these the very same people who have been demanding more Government regulation of health care, banking, Wall Street, food production, tobacco use, vehicle emissions, sex education in schools, product safety, air travel, political advertising, wages, energy use, cellular phone rates, recycling, what light bulbs we can use in our homes, home mortgages, hiring practices, mining, and oil drilling--to name just a few? Amazing isn't it, that as soon as Uncle Sam comes to the wild, wild west of the internet and wants to lay down a few laws--suddenly the Government is trying to take away our freedoms!!
And this is liberal-on-liberal violence that we are trying to prevent here! How can Disney continue to afford to provide benefits to the same-sex partners of its employees if people are just downloading illegal copies of Toy Story 3 instead of buying the Blu-Ray/DVD +BD Live combo packs for for $30.99? And if people watch secretly-videotaped posts of their new release movies--instead of actually going to the theater--how will Sean Penn afford to provide rescue boats for the people "Republicans don't care about" after our next hurricane? And how will Steven Spielberg be able to host gala Hollywood fundraising receptions for President Obama?
I guess none of this outcry over trying to make people actually pay for something that has value should surprise us. Especially when we're dealing with those who think health care, higher education and transportation should all be "magically" provided to everyone "for free" as well.
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