Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 1 November 2002 — Page 11

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1,2002

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

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Readers Respond

Remember children when you vote Children ... the cherished generation. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if that was the ideal that governed all of our decisions and choices as individuals, as leaders, as businesses and as elected officials? A well-raised child is, without question, the most valuable natural resource our country has. We must invest in, value and prioritize children, families and parenting, just as we value protecting water, preserving farmland and saving forests. Countless research findings underscore that every $ 1 invested in prevention and supportive services for children saves at least $4 later on. Whether we’re making certain every child is immunized for childhood diseases, nurtured in highquality child care, or protected from child abuse and domestic violence, the money we spend today is a prudent investment in the future of our children and our state. While there may be areas where we as a state and a nation can trim spending, protecting and caring for our children must not be one of them. As the myriad of election ads unfold, it is clear that our communities, our state and our nation are facing

great challenges and inadequate resources. When families face crises, nTost parents are passionate about making certain their children do not suffer. It is essential that the citizens of Indiana make that same commitment to all the children in our state. Before you cast your vote on Nov. 5, ask first what each candidate is willing to do to reaffirm the responsibility that all of us have to protect, nurture and educate our children. Will the people we elect make certain that Indiana’s child welfare system can effectively protect and serve our state’s nearly 20,000 abused and neglected children? Will they be true leaders? Will they make difficult choices and restore the resources we desperately need to sustain high-quality, responsive child care and education so our children will flourish? Will they set themselves apart as champions for children ... committed to the dignity and diversity of every child? If not, can we really afford to entrust them with our future? Cherish children on Nov. 5. They deserve nothing less. Sharon E. Pierce President & CEO The Villages

litafMilVP On y*** NOVEMBER 5 9 2002 Your Voice Your Vote SPEAK OUT AT THE BALLOT BOX!

OPINION

We could learn a lot from people "in the ghetto" BRANDON PERRY Staff Writer One of the most fun and fulfilling aspects of being a journalist is coming in contact with individuals from all walks of life. In this business, a writer encounters a colorful collage of views and ideas that leave a lasting impression. Some journalists might be touched momentarily by the situation involving certain people featured in their articles, but they quickly move on to the next subject without feeling any personal

impact..

I have never been that type of reporter. I develop respect for an individual even if I don’t totally agree with where they are coming from. It’s just nice to hear people who have something intelligent to say and do more than just sit around and complain. As a insult of this open-minded approach, I was able to see something very special over the past month that’s usually overlooked by most people. During the course of a few assignments, I spoke

with several “street” individuals.

When I say “street’ I’m not referring to homeless people or gangsters. But I’m talking about the men and women, especially the younger ones, who wear nothing but hip-hop clothing and speak in slang (or Ebonics, depending on how you see it). I'm talking about the regular and down-to-earth folks who mostly live in the ghetto, drive ’77 Buicks and eat beenies-and-weanies or bologna sandwiches for dinner. I’m referring to the common people that sophisticated and snobbish aristocrats (black and white) wouldn’t be caught dead with. Some aloof observers might look at these people as thugs or uneducated individuals who want to do nothing more than smoke weed, listen to profane rap music, have sex, buff their cars or count

their welfare and child support checks.

But anyone who has this narrow-minded view should open their eyes and see the uncultivated diamonds standing in front of them. There are so many brilliant minds and kind spirits behind the rough exteriors of these misjudged people. The only difference between the “street” person and the articulate black professional is simply that the former are simply products of their environment who have had to endure tough experiences and are forced to do the best they can with the unpleasant cards

life has dealt them.

But it doesn’t make them dumb or stupid. In fact, I have talked to individuals who might be viewed by some as “ghetto”, but can maintain a more intelligent conversation than the so-called intellectuals who appear on television programs. I remember a young man I met who was dressed like the rappers we see in music videos. As he answered a question I posed to him about the possibility of war with Iraq, it became apparent that this brother probably knows just as much about foreign affairs as the director of the C.I.A! Or what about the young sister who makes more sense than the Surgeon General when she discusses medical

issues?

I’m in no way implying that I’ve been a sheltered creature all my life and never been exposed to a diverse element of people. I come from a regular, middle-class background. But what I am saying is far too often we cut ourselves short by judging an individual’s physical appearance, clothing, economic status, speaking style or demeanor. When we just assume that a person “couldn’t possibly know anything” about a certain subject by the mere virtue of their ‘ appearance, we deny ourselves an opportunity to be blessed and be blessing through an intelligent conversation. When we go the library and select a book, we don’t really care about the cover. Most of us are not phased by the rips, tears, scratches, food stains or rough edges a book cover might have. Instead, we are looking to enjoying what’s on the inside of the book. This is the same approach we must take with human beings.

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Staff Writor

A Simple Question for African American V0t6l"S Are You Better Off Today...

Ask Yourself...Are you better off today with Republicans in charge in Washington? Let’s look at the record over the last two years under Republican leadership:

Your Vote is Urgently Needed to Change that Record and Get Our Country Back on the Right Track.

Affordable Housing

DOWN

Higher Education Opportunities

DOWN

Crime in Our Communities

The Future of Social Security

and Real Prescription Drug Reform

UNCERTAIN

For a Mdo to tho Foils - Colli (317) •28-7633

This Is a msssags from • 2002 INDIANAPOLIS OPERATION BIO VOTE 3737 N. Maridlan, Suita 401 (317) 028 - 4874 Paw (317) 928-4590 Cordalla Lawls Burks, Exseutlva Dlractar

VOTE DEMOCRATIC | in the Congressional Election A in your District on Tuesday, November 5th

ND FOR If TtC OBtOCMIK

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