Jabriel

Ok, so I started reading Stride Toward Freedom by Dr. King yesterday and had some compelling thoughts that I would like to share.  If you talk to (former) community activists over 60 they will tell you that desegregation made it more difficult for them to organize around social justice issues.  I have a cousin who was an organizer in the (no longer existent) Pruitt Igo (sp?) housing development in St. Louis, MO.  She spoke of being able to call a meeting in the morning and have several... Read Full Story

They may not like me for this... Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori, and others in the Episcopal Church said they hoped I would continue posting about the " Service of Repentance " held on October 4, 2008. I haven't written much, and debated if I ever would. Yet looking at the commemorative pen given at the event, I couldn't refrain from writing this. The pen says: "Day of Repentance." And, how true that is! And, that's not just my frustration. It's one shared by many, including Dr. Ed Rodman... Read Full Story

They may not like me for this... Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori, and others in the Episcopal Church said they hoped I would continue posting about the " Service of Repentance " held on October 4, 2008. I haven't written much, and debated if I ever would. Yet looking at the commemorative pen given at the event, I couldn't refrain from writing this. The pen says: "Day of Repentance." And, how true that is! And, that's not just my frustration. It's one shared by many, including Dr. Ed Rodman... Read Full Story

Tomorrow, Congress will vote on a so-called " Paycheck Fairness Act ."  The Bill is supposed to address disparities in pay.  However, the Bill only refers to gender disparity.  When I called Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro's (D-CT-3) office, I asked if I was misreading the Bill or if it only addressed gender disparities.  The lady responsible for the Paycheck Fairness Act stated that it - in fact - dealt only with gender disparities, but that in doing so it would cover Black, Latino and Asian... Read Full Story

Tomorrow, Congress will vote on a so-called " Paycheck Fairness Act ."  The Bill is supposed to address disparities in pay.  However, the Bill only refers to gender disparity.  When I called Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro's (D-CT-3) office, I asked if I was misreading the Bill or if it only addressed gender disparities.  The lady responsible for the Paycheck Fairness Act stated that it - in fact - dealt only with gender disparities, but that in doing so it would cover Black, Latino and Asian... Read Full Story

by: Ed Rodman It is with some trepidation that I feel called to write this open letter at this time. I would ask you to indulge me by taking the time to read it in its entirety so that any things that you may have heard or assumed about my various public statements on this issue can be viewed in their full context. This letter is intended to affirm, educate, chastise, and invite us to a deeper dialogue toward the beloved community. Before I begin I should make certain biographical comments... Read Full Story

by: Ed Rodman It is with some trepidation that I feel called to write this open letter at this time. I would ask you to indulge me by taking the time to read it in its entirety so that any things that you may have heard or assumed about my various public statements on this issue can be viewed in their full context. This letter is intended to affirm, educate, chastise, and invite us to a deeper dialogue toward the beloved community. Before I begin I should make certain biographical comments... Read Full Story

Now, I'll admit I'm no economist.  So, if someone can talk me down on this it would be refreshing.  I've actually spent the past few days trying to decipher this... In The Source on Monday, there was an article about the Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority (PFA) being authorized to float up to $341 Million in gross-receipts tax bonds.  Who knows exactly what gross-receipts tax bonds are?  If so, please chime in on this point. A gross-receipts tax is "a tax on the total gross revenues of a... Read Full Story

In these tight economic times, we're witnessing something tremendously ironic: those who have been against "hand-outs" for individuals facing hard times are demanding similar-type "hand-outs" for corporations. In the name of Economic Development or Economic Stimulus, corporations are lining up for money to either prop up their businesses or salvage them. Personally, I am for tax-cuts for all (corporations and individuals). I prefer tax-cuts to appropriations or allotments. Let me keep my... Read Full Story

I read in The Source about the " grim picture of Vitelco's infrastructure ."  According to the article, two-thirds of Vitelco's facilities throughout the Territory are in poor condition and one-third are in fair condition.  What?! There are software packages so out of date that the manufacturer no longer supports them.  The consultant who inspected the facilities also said things are so bad that Vitelco has "even failed to do routing maintenance like clearing bush from around telephone poles... Read Full Story