Does ONE "Day of Repentance" Balance 400 Years of Slavery?
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
Does ONE "Day of Repentance" Balance 400 Years of Slavery?
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 sha... Read Full Story
Congress Determines Only White Women Need Paycheck Fairness!
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 women.... Read Full Story
Congress Determines Only White Women Need Paycheck Fairness!
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 an... Read Full Story
An Open Letter to Various Leaders in The Episcopal Church On The Evolving Implementation of the 2006 General Convention Resolution A123
by: Ed RodmanIt 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 commen... Read Full Story
An Open Letter to Various Leaders in The Episcopal Church On The Evolving Implementation of the 2006 General Convention Resolution A123
by: Ed RodmanIt 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 commen... Read Full Story
Could the Virgin Islands be Embarking on the Course to Financial Disaster?
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 gros... Read Full Story
If Government Capital Must Be Invested...Make it for Infrastructure Development!
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 allotm... Read Full Story
Delapedated Infrastructure and Ignored Issues
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 aro... Read Full Story
Black Like Me, American Like the Rest, or a New American?
What an amazing time in which we live!With the election of the first "Black President," comes with much election and so many expectations.  Not only in America, but also across the African (and entire) world people have hopes that this will mean something. See highlights of the watch party at Ebenezer Baptist Church: I too am excited - albeit cautiously.  I guess it's as Congressman John Lewis said in this clip: the election of Barack Obama is not the promised land.  And, while we celebra... Read Full Story