Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 12 August 1978 — Page 15

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER pArp SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 1978 rMUC

Editorials and Opinions

"Power concedes nothing without a demand — it never did and it never will. Find out just what people will submit to, and you've found out the exact amount^of injustice and wrong which will

be imposed upon them. This will continue until they resist, either with words or blows or both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress." — Frederick Dougldss

Dear Andrew l By Robert DeFrantz Higher industry profits

don't Have to mean jobs

D.C. citizens should have Congress votes The Senate presently has before it a proposed constitutional amendment which would let citizens of Washington, D.C. elect voting members to the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. The majority of the residents of the nation's capital are black. They have no Congressman and Senators like the rest of us. They have only a non-voting Delegate. We don't Hunk its an accident that our Mack brothers and sisters have been disenfranchised for so long. Now the Senate has a chane to show the nation what it thinks of civil rights and human rights. It can and should pass the proposal. The House has already done so, by on overhwehning margin of 289-127. Citizens of the District of Columbia pay over a billion dollars in federal taxes, they have fought and died for our country, they live and work under the national laws they have had no part In making. This is an easy one for the Senate. The issue is dear. It's a matter of simple democratic principle. Both the Republican ond Democratic parties support the amendment. The most conservative of conservatives have given the okay to this one. Among them. Senator Barry Goldwater of Arizona ond Ernest HoHings of South Carolina. Of course, our liberal frionds, like Ted Rennedy and Alan Cranston also support this amendment. We'd hate to think that if it fails, it would be due to the fact that most of the people who would benefit from this happens to be Mock. No one, in the Senate, liberal, conservative republican, democrat, rural or urban should balk at this chance to improve their civil rights voting record. Perhaps the best way to sum the issue up is to quote the conservative Associate Supreme Court Justice William Rehnquist, who as a Justice Department official in 1970 said "The need for an amendment (providing representation for the District) at this late date in our history is, too self-evident for further elaboration; continued denial of voting representation from the District of Columbia can no longer be justified." It's time for the Senate to put its vote where its human rights rhetoric is and pass this proposed amendment. It's a question of basic civil rights.

\ \ f ■%

% ~ /'MMORE ENCOURAGED TODAY THAN I HAVE BEEN IN A LONO TIME. DR. HAMILTON MID HIS ENCOURAGEMENT DID NOT COME FROM THEENL/CHTMENT OF WHITE PEOPLE, BUT FROM THE DETERMINATION OF BLAC/s PEOPLE TO DO FOR THEMSELVES DR.CHARLES l/. HAHIL TON

Dear Andrew, I keep reading those financial magazines and papers like the Wall Street Journal and Business Week, and others, and the one thing that keeps cropping up is how well industry is doing. The headlines continually blare the fact of companies making record profits. These headlines keep reminding people that his quarters profits are higher than the last quarter. Now, 1 am supposed to have good feeling about those head lines, because the theory behind the increased profits is that industry will expand so that it can make more profit. The theory states industry will expand, building more plants to build more cars, which will require more workers. That is the theory that is supposed to work to cut down our unemployment. Then, how come unemployment jumped in July? How come the government which took credit for the decrease in June talking about how its

policies were working is now telling everyone not to worry that the increase in unemployment is just a quirk, so don’t worry. So now all I have to do is tell all those unemployed persons I talk to daily that they should not worry because those government figures do not have any real meaning. All they have to do is go to the grocery and tell them that the government said not to worry. I wonder how many groceries that will buy?'??? The other items I don’t see is where all those industries are building more plants or order ing more machinery. What I am really saying Andrew, where is the prooft that with increased profits the result will be increased jobs. My reasoning tends to go against that theory. The information I have collected suggests that industry is always looking for more profits but for less and less expense. So what we have now is industry increasing productivity using the same work force. Also, when industry modern-

izes its equipment inevitably it ,r / is done at the expense of*"' workers. Now I am not against J profits but quit trying to fool me by saying increased profits will automatically expand jobs. " Certain people would have you' * believe that it is almost like ‘ night following day. But that is not the case. Those same’ people who suggest the profit " 1 expansion theory when asked for proof, point out instances almost twenty years old. I defy*' 1 them to show me recent instances where increased pro- 1 " fits have increased job oppor r ' tunities. Notice I said instances not just one or two. It’s almost like the arguments being made'*' for Proposition #13 in Califor nia, that with more money* 1 being returned the economy 1 • will be expanded. Well Califor *. nia is now involved in a big* fight over rent control because' the landlords refuse to pass or saving and in fact have raisec rents in many cases. So the theory should be if you are not careful,more means less; more! profits means less jobs. Profitablly speaking, j BOH

TEAMWORK SELF-HELP and / SELF-DETRMINATION / rf r

llvnjawiv Hooks

NAACP Executive Director

Make GOPs see real need for black votes

KENYON C. BURKE

LOMMUXITX

AFFAIRS 1§L

Is message clear to Republicans

c*t (6e Bank of America gift challenge UNCF donates

4

-

•* * •#-

By CHARLES E. BELLE

Every once in a while we’re privileged to witness an event that could turn the course of history in favor of Black Americans in this struggle toward full equal opportunity. Two such events occurred recently at the Detroit Plaza Hotel which hosted a meeting of the Republican National Committee and the NAACP’s Bakke Symposium at the same time. At the invitation of Committee Chairman BUI Brock, Benjamin L. Hooks, Executive Director of the NAACP, in his most articulate, persuasive, and compassionate style declared that the plight of blacks and other minorities in America today constitutes “a national emergency." Noti% that the NAACP “supports no particular party” blindly. Dr. Hooks indicated that if the Republican party wished to gain black voter support then it would have to “take blacks seriously and support programs that will benefit blacks.” Calling attention to the second-class citizenship status of blacks in America today. Dr. Hooks handed the Republicans the following “shopping list” of things to support that would attract black voters to the Grand Old Party. * The Humphrey-Hawkins BUI for FuU Employment * Sanction Against South Africa and withdrawal of U.S. Economic Support * A Foreign policy stressing human rights and the same emphasis in domestic policy * Release of 10 black civU

FACT£t*FAUCl£C Many people think that in order to earn interest, money deposited in a bank must be put into a savings account. And they were right—until recently. Now many people are earning interest on their checking accounts!

Negotiable Order of Withdrawal or NOW checking accounts pay 5 percent interest to depositors on their average daily checking account balance. Although only banks in New England are legally permitted to offer this service, anybody—any where— can take advantage of it by mail!

rights demonstrators from prison in North Carolina who are known as the “WUmington 10" * More federal aid to the disadvantaged * A national energy program * The Equal Rights Amendment * Affirmative Action for blacks and women * A U.S. Supreme Court more “sensitive" to the needs of blacks and other minorities For those that feel that any effort to attract black voters to the Republican party may be reminded that from June 1865 - 1933 the vast majority of black voting citizens were Republican. We would add that it’s time for the GOP to heed the •oices of such Republicans as Sam Jackson, Bill Coleman, James F a r m e r, Arthur Fletcher, Edward Brooke, George haley - all clarion voices of reason and social commitment. If the GOP is reaUy serious about attracting the black vote, they should seek out talented black citizens, run them in as candidates with fuU financial and political support in districts where they have a good chance of winning elective office at municipal, county, state and federal levels of government. Letting it all hang out, Dr. Hooks said, “We’re tired of having Democrats take us for granted and wer’re tired of having Republicans acting like they don’t care.” Dr. Hooks’ message was clear. It remains for us to see if the Republican leadership really heard him. Squeeze on the poor puzzling To the Editor: I was reading The Recorder and ran across these few words, “Let us hear you out. Send a letter to the editor.” Here are a few words about a mother. I have raised five children and my youngest is 10. Why does it seem people make it so hard for the poor to live? I don’t make much money. Although I work everyday, I can hardly make ends meet. I was getting welfare, but they kept cutting until it dwindled to $23 per month. To make it worse, they raised my food stamps to $76 for $94 worth. Finally, they cut them both off. I have to buy food, try to keep my little girl in school and also try to pay rent of $131. My job is at a nice place to work, but I don’t make a hundred dollars a week or 40 hours. Why is everything so unfair? Sarah Lewis

Bank of America, the free world’s largest bank, put a few bucks behind blacks interested in a better education. The bank donated $100,000 to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and called for other corporate donors to do likewise in this year’s UNCF campaign to raise $50 million for its balck member colleges. The purpose o f UNCF’s latest fund raising drive is to continue educating black American college students. There are some 41 privately supported colleges and universities in the United Negro College Fund. The total enrollment of about 48,000 is racing almost five times than the national growth rate of other private colleges and universities. The UNCF is calling for the assistance through cash contribution of all thoughful people and organizations through an urgent fund raising campaign. The Next Stride Forward is not just a slogan, but is for you to find a tax deductible contribution of from $5.00 to $50 million and mail it to the United Negro College Fund, Inc., 500 East 62nd Street, New York, NY 10021, today. Black colleges have earned a contribution from men and women of all colors. Applications and admissions are open to all, regardless of race or other distinction as well as to students from all parts of this or any other country. Today about 1,000 students attend these colleges from foreign countries. Black colleges are a basic reservoir of black men and women of reason in this nation. They have produced more than half of the college degrees earned by all black Americans. Furthermore, over half of the nation’s black American executives and elected officials received their degrees from these deep south institutions o f higher learning. In addition, of course, three quarters or more of all black Americans with m.d.’s o r ph.d.’s matriculated at these mother institutions. The black colleges are calling for this $50 million not to go back to basics, they never left them, but to build a better base of operations for black Americans. The three principal parts of the UNCF program for 1978, the faculty curriculum Development Fund, the construction fund and the Revolving Endowment Fund means a stronger Black America. A growing number of unemployed black Americans need an opportunity for higher education. The black college door can be the last chance. The greater the growth of young black Americans, the greater the need for education. The success of this single drive of UNCF will deter many

young black American high school graduates from a life of irritation with society. Any contricutions you or the

corporationyou work for can come with will cut into the growing cancer of 40% black American youth unemployment.

Kaiser Konsumers Korncr By Inez Koisor Property protection!

The summer months are known as being the time of vacationing and outdoor activities. You are probably in and out of your home more in the summer than any other time of the year. You may find yourself developing a pattern where there will be definite times when you are away from the house. Some of you may jog or take evening walks or drives. A summer bowling league might keep you away on a certain night. The weekly card party or club night might be an event that you would not miss for the world. If what I’m saying strikes a familiar note with any of you then there is an important matter that you need to consider. Just how safe is your home when you are away? Those patterns that you have developed are possibly being noticed by someone else. If they are noticed by the wrong person then you may become a potential burglary victim. What fun is there in going away if you can not be reasonably sure that your belongings are safe? Being a victim of a burglary is one of those things that “always happens to the other person.” Well, not necessarily so, in view of the crime figures those odds against you, you could easily become “the other person.” Because of the increase in burglaries, more people are utilizing some type of burglar alarm system. Although no system is absolutely burglarproof, having a good one can at least deter or detect a potential burglar and give you peace of mind. If your family decides to purchase an alarm system, there are decisions that need to be made and questions that need to be answered. You must determine the system that will best suit your needs. Since most people are not familiar with the mechanics of an alarm system, their primary need would be to speak with a representative from a reputable firm. The type of system that you decide upon will be based on the service that you wish to be

performed. The system that protects the entire perimeter of a home is usually the best. A family watching their budget may decide to purchase ar internal system that offers a good deterent. You may pur chase a local system that will sound an alarm on the premises. A central reporting alarm system will silently signal the alarm company headquarters for the dispatching of police and/or company agents. A direct alarm system will be connected to the local police or fire department. A local law is required for installation of this type of system so a question of this nature would be in order. The type of system that is designed to illuminate the area as a scaring-off device is a common one in residential areas. All these services are usually available from most alarm firms, and they offer certain advantages. The choice of systems is up to you so make sure you have all the facts. A conscientious consumer always makes sure that he gets what he pays for. You must also remember that systems desig nated as bargains may prove to be severly limited. When alarm systems costs are determined more than the cost of equip ment is considered. The distance of the alarm company, local telephone rates, the required amount of wiring and the construction materials of your home are all cost factors. The most common cost figures associated with an alarm company are installation and monthly service charges. The National Burglar and Fir( Alarm Association warns you not to buy or lease from an alarm company that does not offer a contract for continuing maintenance and service. If you decide to purchase the equipment a contract is a necessity. It should be studied and understood before it is signed in order to prevent misunderstandings later. Selection of an alarm system cannot be taken lightly. It is an investment in your and your family’s security and personal well-being. So, before you leave your home be reasonably sure that you are the next person that will enter it.

Having watched President Carter narrowly beat Gerald Ford in 1976, Republicans have suddenly awakened to the need to broaden the party base. They realize that the party cannot win a national election without the support of a significant portion of black

voters.

The lesson that even though blacks were not particularly fond of Carter, they gave him 93 percent of their votes, must have been excruciatingly painful for the Republicans. Carter had no civil rights credentials of note, but blacks nevertheless edged him into office because they felt they had no meaning-

ful alternative.

The Republicans are therefore now anxious to turn the tables on the Democrats. But can they do it? Under the leadership of party chairman Bill Brock, they have launched a deliberate campaign to win active black support. Jesse Jackson has been invited to speak at their conference, and so was I at the recent semiannual gathering in Detroit. At that time also, party representatives visited inner city areas to learn about urban problems. The Republicans, however, will need to do more than that to win a sizable number of black votes. President Carter fortunately had the indispensable embrace of Martin Luther King . Sr.,

That emergency is getting American institutions to in elude and protect all American citizens. As Frederick Douglass put it, “It is whether this ... nation shall conquer it pre judices, rise to the dignity of it’s professions, and proceed in the sublime course of truth and liberty marked out for itself.... or shall swing back to its ancient moorings of slavery and barbarism. It is not what (the black) shall be or do, but what the nation shall be or do, which is to solve this great national problem." If the Republican Party is going to be a serious contender for the black vote, it must identify, support, and advance responsible leadership within

its own ranks. The party must support persons who are both « sensitive and committed to^ those programs needed to , finally realize racial justice. J Republicans cannot win black J votes unless they are prepared to take black people and their ^ interests seriously. * 1 Black Americans are increas ingly voting their interests. ; They support candidates whatever the party affiliation*" who articulate their needs foi>.» jobs, equal job opportunities, ,' a . quality housing and for a,,* thorough and efficient edu- j, cation. It is not sufficient to«''s remove “roadblocks to equal oppor- lf > tunity.” A map must be drawn,-ij Timetables must be set. Goai^r,, must be established for advanc e t ing minorities to positions inf, every profession, every career,.^ and every school. Black voters challenge Re publicans to meet these goals.

‘Recruiting failures' continue: Sam Jones

Dear Editor;

The newspaper story which appeared in the Indianapolis News, dated July 10 and entitled “State Police Probe Recruiting Failure”, was most disturbing to me from the vantage point of the responses given to the Associated Press by State Police Superintendent John Shettle, Sgt. Ron Goff, who heads the minority recruit-

entire staff at the academy,, needs to be exposed to some, serious human relations con-if sultation in order that the’) stereotype and myths that they i hold in reference to blacks and; other minorities might begin ta. be clarified. t Additionally, it is a crime t that blacks and other racial? minorities can not be expected £ to live and work peacefully and; harmoniously in areas other i

ing efforts for the academy, and IIOl IIIV , 1I1UU ... k

Coretta King, and others such Joe Newman, an advertising t hen urban centers. That is a» as the current UN Ambassador executive who apparently help sa( j commentary for a State ?

ed to create the minority t h a t attempts to be a leader in J recruiting program. the areas of commerce and • The disturbing aspect of the industry, civil rights and educa i

story had to do with the inept series of statements attributed to all three of the persons quoted in the article. If the statements attributed to the

Andrew Young.

This backing of top Atlanta black leadership gave him an appearance of empathy with black concerns. This is the kind of empathy and embrace that the Republicans lack, despite their having the only black, Edward Brooke of Massachusetts, in the Senate. What the Republicans need to understand is that America has exacted a heavy price from its black minority. Our struggle is not just against racial attitudes, but against racist behavior. Democrats, and Republicans alike must confront this great crisis. It is a problem which arises to the level of a national emergency. Those who understand young people say that a good way to teach them responsibility is not merely telling them they should be more responsible, or even assigning them chores, but by getting them interested in a responsible project, on their school vacations, such as recycling

aluminum

This can be good for their characters, look great on college or job application resumes and can help them earn money, since Reynolds Aluminum Recycling will pay 17 cents a pound for recyclable aluminum. For information about recycling, call, toll-free 800-243-6000. In Connecticut, it’s toll-free, 1-800-882-6500.

"There are moments when everything turns out right. Don’t let it alarm you; they pass." Jules Renard

tion, just to mention a few. ^ There is much work to bet^ done, and we need, I feel, more? aggressive leadership from^ Govenor Bowen to assure that !

three gentlemen are correct, these inequities that preclude ;

then it is reasonably obvious to a person, such as myself, as to why there have been and will continue to be recruiting failures with reference to minorit-

ies.

It would seem to me that the

blacks and other minorities from participating in the total life of the State of Indiana are

remedied.

Sam H. Jones, ACSW Executive Director

I:

Opposes Ma Bell’s plan to charge for directory assistance calls

Dear Editor: The Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO is very much opposed to the Indiana Bell plan to charge 20 cents for calls to directory assistance. We oppose the plan because of the known consequences it will have on the employment of the directory assistance operators that we represent at Indiana Bell. Past experience has shown that under a similar plan in the General Telephone Company of Florida, within 3 months after implementation, there was a 71 per cent reduction in. call volume, resulting in a 35 per cent reduction in the operator force. Indiana can ill afford the pre-planned unemployment that these charges would bring about. Since January 1 of 1977, eight out of nine state rgulatory Commissions have denied directory assistance charging proposals submitted

by Bell operating companies. The most recent denial was in the state of Iowa when on „ June 29 Governor Ray signed J House Bill 232 which bars the < Iowa Commerce Commission and any public utility from " charging for telephone directory assistance. These denials are for good ! and sufficient reason. As we saw in the vote on Proposition 13 in California recently, the average citizen is sick and tired of being gouged out of his last dime to satisfy corporate interests of the consumer for a change! If directory assistance charges' are implemented, consumers will receive less service In the form of reduced directory • assistance for the same rate, f or they will receive the same ‘ amount of service for which they will be charged an increased rate. The plan is not fair, not just and it is not reasonable. Michael N. Joyce Indiana Director