Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 31 January 2003 — Page 9

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2003

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

PAGE A9

READERS RESPOND

Keep the vibe alive On behalf of all of the drummers at United States of Mind, we want to thank you for sharing the story of Blaise Zekalo with your readers. No other newspaper comes close to The Recorder’s interest in the community and the arts. United States of Mind was created with the intention of bringing unity within the drumming community of Indianapolis. We regret that the article compared Blaise with Prince Julius, for we all know that the Prince’s talent, knowledge, and contribution to the advancement of African music in Indianapolis are beyond compare. Prince Julius stands alone as the pioneer of West African music in Indianapolis. Indeed, the founders ofUnited States of Mind all received their first lessons in African drumming from him! We are all in this for the love of the music; lets keep the vibe positive and alive. The drummers of United States of Mind

lending story As a community group working on the issue of predatory lending since 1999, it was a pleasure to read Ericka Thompson’s article on predatory lending in The Indianapolis Recorder. It is obvious that Ericka understands the complexity of this issue. Our group, the Organization for a New Eastside (O.N.E.) will soon sign a partnership agreement with Citi Financial putting an end (we expect) to this company’s predatory lending practices. We expect to use this document to force other lenders into compliance. We just wanted to congratulate Ericka on a fine article. Ken Moran We need fiscal conservatives I was heartened by a recent article in the newspaper that reported that two out of three Americans believe .hat it is prudent to hold off on more tax cuts. The information was from a poll conducted by the Associated Press and it noted that most Republicans believe it would be better to hold off on tax cuts to avoid deeper deficits. I only hope that the elected congressmen, senators, and the executive branch were listening and paying attention. To me, the word conservative goes hand in hand with fiscal responsibility. Although the finances of the federal government are much more complicated than an individual’s finances, I believe that there are certain principles that are the same. Our president is to be admired for many things, but my concern is that he seems to believe that tax cuts are the answer to any eco-

nomic problem that exists. My hope is that people will make their feelings known to their elected officials that they want a conservative economic policy that places a balanced budget as a high priority. On a personal level, we know that if we take on enough credit card debt we can only live it up for a while. We also know that we will pay a high price for this excess in the end.

ourselves by making our feelings known when they differ from those that we support. It is our duty. Murray Calhoun III Arctic drilling a dangerous idea To drill for oil in the Arctic is a bad idea due to the sacred ancient wildlife and native peoples that inhabit this area. The Arctic Refuge is one of the most naturally beautiful parts of the United States of America in Alaska. The oil that would come from this part of the land would only be sufficient for six months and would damage the amazing Arctic Refuge for an eternity. There are many forms of wildlife that depend on this land as well as many alternative fuel options that would keep this land pure. We would not be able to use the fuel for an estimate of lOyears. It is time for Sens. Richard Lugar and Evan Bayh to discard the idea for potential drilling of the pure Arctic Refuge forever. Keep oil drilling in the Arctic out of the budget because it is ultimately not worth it. Lauren Hendershot Praise for ex-Go. Ryan “There is no honorable way to kill.” Ex-Gov. George Ryan of Illinois offered that comment when he announced that he was commuting all death sentences in Illinois. We believe Gov. Ryan was forced to take dramatic action because of the Illinois Legislature’s failure to act on reforms. We believe Gov. Ryan showed great courage in making YOUR VOICE

his announcement. Yes. he had only a few hours left in public office and had little risk in taking bold action. But perhaps he believes as we do that it is not society’s responsibility to execute people. We stand strongly for justice for all of God’s people, and justice can be served without execution of prisoners. Serving a sentence of life in prison without the opportunity for parole is a viable alternative. We pray for victims’ families and families of those who have caused great harm, for they too are victims and are often overlooked. We pray that one day the political ambition of a “get-tough-on-crime” mentality will be replaced by a system that recognizes the sacredness and dignity of life and centers on forgiveness, not retribution with vengeance and further violence. We applaud Gov. Ryan’s initiative, and we hope his example will be followed by other states and the United States government that still rely upon capital punishment. What a travesty it would be if we continue to jeopardize the 1 ives of those who might eventually be found innocent. Truly, there is no honorable way to kill. Yours in Providence, Sister Ann Margaret O’Hara SP, General Superior Sister Denise Wilkinson SP, Vicar Sister Marsha Speth SP, General Officer Sister Nancy Reynolds SP, General Officer Sister Paula Damiano SP, General Officer Sister Marie McCarthy SP, General Officer Sisters of Providence Saint Man -of-the-Woods, IN 47876 * Praise for editorial Shannon Williams, I couldn’t agree with you more in your editorial, “parents need to toughen up...” I see it all the time, too. Maybe we’re just voices crying in ; the wilderness, but I think good and consistent parental discipline goes a long way. Keep up the good editorials! Judge Tern N. Hursh

Thanks for predatory

We can vote for, admire, support, and be loyal to a public official and a party and still be true to

If affirmative action is terminated, how do you think it will affect Blacks?

Tuwana Ivy

“I think it will affect Blacks in a bad way because in the work force the white employers would feel they can say anything they want and we wouldn’t have anyone to complain to. I think it would hurt more than help." — Tuwana Ivy “If affirmative action is terminated it will hurt Blacks very badly. We do not get a fair trial in court as it is and we’re guilty until proven innocent. The government might

as well lock Blacks up and throw away the key." — Kelvin Milligan “Ifaffirmative action is terminated it will affect some Blacks in a serious way because throughout the years we’ve advanced a lot because of it. It would also put some Blacks at a disadvantage because 50 percent will be able to survive without it, but the other 50 percent couldn’t because they have used affirmative ac-

tion as a crutch. It was originally I put into effect to he used as a stepping stone, but a lot of Blacks are only using it as an excuse." — Billy Wharton “I think if Blacks use their knowledge and skill, affirmative action would not hinder their career. In some cases it’s helpful, but at the same time we can get by without a handout." — Jack I awrence

OPINION

Are we withdrawing racism from our bank accounts?

I have recently spoken with a couple of people who have experienced difficulties while conducting business at various bank locations in Indianapolis; especially those located in mostly Black areas. Now, anyone who knows me also knows that I have never been the type of

Stall Wrltar

Social Security check for their child if the check isn’t in the parent’s name only, although the government says the money can be granted even if the check has both the child and parent listed as recipients. Depending on whom the person talks to, the teller might not be very kind or friendly when they explain these policies to a Black

person who likes to cry “racism!" at the drop off customer. This same Black person can go to a

a hat or denounce every little offense committed by a white person as an act of racism. In fact, I have disdain for minorities who waste their time and the time of others trying to dig up unverified traces of racism. But I have witnessed first hand a situation that seems to add credibility to the theory that some banks in Black neighborhoods have much more stringent banking policies and requirements than locations in mostly white areas, especially when it comes to withdrawing money from an account or applying for loans. Federal banking laws, regulations and requirements seem to be enforced much more vigorously and harshly at locations in the socalled inner city. Unless they meet specific requirements, a Black man or woman can drive to a National City or Bank One branch on East 38 ,h Street and be denied the chance to cash a

bank branch in Castleton and cash the check with no hesitation whatsoever. Why does it seem like banks in the inner city or mostly Black suburban neighborhoods are so hard on minority customers in particular, and patrons in general? I pray that someone can prove my assumptions wrong. Maybe someone from a local bank, or even a Black individual who has had a consistently good banking experience. Otherwise, I’m asking all African-American citizens (and even whites or Hispanics) who feel like they have received unjustified treatment at a bank to call me at 924-5143 ext. 319. Only legitimate complaints, please. Also, tell me what you think about the Chex Systems policy, in which a customer whose account goes in to the red too many times can be barred from doing business with any bank for possibly five years.

Thinking of Martin Luther King Jr. as we march against war

By BILL FLETCHER JR. There are two Martin Luther King Jrs. There is the one that we see on television every year around Jan. 15th. We see clips from his “I Have a Dream” speech — but rarely the entire speech. We see images of him that bring him close to sainthood. We hear from countless veterans of the civil rights movement, all of whom were his close friends and marched with him on every march. We see an illusion. Then, there is the other King. The other King was a troublemaker. He was an agitator. His agitation and activity in the service of social justice unsettled many people, including many of the same people who today praise his memory. He was the person who raised questions, including about himself and his own role. The second King — the real King — was a fascinating character, and those of us marching against the pending aggressive war with Iraq, walk side by side with him. On King’s birthday, we rarely have the opportunity to hear anything about his stand on the U.S. war against Vietnam. I am not sure that I can remember a time that a recording of his April IfHi? speech condemning the war in Vietnam was ever played on that occasion, or even during Black History’ Month. This entire side of King is ignored by most official history, while the safe King is kept in front of us. The fact that King championed human rights and condemned U.S. overseas aggression is conveniently forgotten. But it is the real King that those of us marching against the pending war, walk alongside. Throughout U.S. history, those African Americans who have chosen to speak out on international affairs, and particularly those who have contextualized the AfricanAmerican struggle in international terms, have been condemned and berated. Martin Luther King Jr. was part of a long list of such heroes and heroines. Insofar as Dr. King challenged Jim Crow segregation and appealed for a full application of U.S. constitutional

rights to African Americans, he was troublesome for sure, but safe. WTien he stepped outside of that box, however, he became one of the most dangerous people in the United States, a fact that the late, demented F.B.I. Director J. Edgar I loover never hesitated to remind anyone who would listen. Dr. King’s opposition to U.S. involvement in Vietnam was not as simple as a moral call against war. Certainly King had a moral objection to the war, but he also recognized that the achievement of civil and human rights for African Americans could not take place while the U.S. government was carrying out a devastating war against the people ofVietnam and Laos (to be followed in 1970 with Cambodia). Rights and security at home while aggression and genocide abroad. King realized, was an impossible combination. For that reason, we who march, march with Dr. King. Polling data indicate that approximately 81 percent of African Americans oppose the Bush administration's plans to launch a war against Iraq. This did not surprise me. In everyday discussions, it is clear that we arc very skeptical of the rationale that is being offered for war. as well as having an understanding as to the potential consequences of a war. Vet personal and silent opposition to war is not sufficient given the stakes. It is for that reason that we must all march and protest. When Dr. King spoke out against U.S. aggression in Vietnam he w as condemned as unpatriotic. He w as accused of being unsupportive of the president. While these attacks were probably painful. Dr. King refused to let such arrows impede his journey.

In 1967 the stakes were quite high. Not only were the people of Vietnam and Laos suffering tremendously from U.S. bombings and troop movement, but also large numbers of people of color and lower-income people from the United States were serving on the front lines of this immoral conflict. If this was to stop. Dr. King recognized that people such as himself needed to speak out rather than give safe haven to political leaders who were more interested in furthering corporate and military objectives rather than objectives based on human rights. As the potential for war today looms like a red sky in the morning. we must find in the courage and stand of Dr. King the moral and political backbone to step forward and have our voices heard. Dr. King’s love for the everydayperson in this country, and his concern about the fate of the globe placed before him a challenge t hat he had to confront. While it was not easy, his leadership inspired hundreds of thousands, if not millionsofot hers to step forw ard. This multitude played a role in stopping the criminal war in Indochina. It can be done again. That is w hy thoseot us w ho march against the planned U.S. aggression against Iraq march side by side with Dr. King. , Kill b'U'tclur Jr, a lony-tinic labor nun cnn'iU neti\ ist. is president of ’/Vans. Winc.i I'onnn. a Washington. P.C.-based nonprotit etlyentionnl and organizing center formed to raise aw areness in the l nited States about issues facing the nations and /woples ot Africa, the Caribbean anil Latin America. He can be reached at btletcher(ii transafrieaformn.org.