On Friday I spent time visiting a food bank held at Tuskawilla United Methodist Church (TUMC) followed by a visit to DJ’s Barber Shop and Hair Salon. Both the church and barbershop are not in Florida’s 3rd Congressional District (CD-3), but both serve constituents that are from the district.
Food Bank Provides Hope
The food bank was started by Bishop Ron Johnson, who has is own ministry, but due to the large need, he found a helping hand from Reverend Dwayne Craig, Senior Pastor at TUMC, to distribute the food. The Bishop made an astute observation to me that the people must really have a need if they travel far to sit for two hours to receive less than two boxes of food. I confirmed his statement by talking with some of the recipients. Some were unemployed, others underemployed. While the food was not enough to last a week, it helped to keep the food bill down, especially so when there may be several generations under one roof. Typically, the matriarch was there to receive the food, but there were a few men as well. Also, all age groups and races were present.
The last person to go through the line left a lasting impression on me. The person was a middle aged woman that was dressed slightly nicer than the rest. She had been keeping to herself in a far back corner of the room with her head down low fiddling with a small notebook. Her actions alone spoke volumes. I believe she once had a stable income, but with the recession lost the ability to make ends meet.
Like this woman, I believe all would prefer not to be there, but there may be nowhere else for them to turn; however, seeing the smiling faces upon leaving, one could tell that the food helps the recipients to worry less. As the Bishop told me, the food gives them hope when there is none. With hope, the people should one day find a way to once again support themselves and eventually help others that are in a similar need. The Bishop introduced me to two women that had made that journey and were now helping to distribute the food.
Barbershop Talk
After visiting the food bank, the Bishop introduced me to a good friend of his, DJ, at DJ’s Barbershop. I was very fortunate to be introduced to DJ because he gave me wonderful advice and additional insight into the community. Some of the things we talked about were:
1. The youth not having hope;
2. Keeping my word; and
3. Other politicians courting the community’s vote, but later turning their back after being elected.
In reference to the last point, I think as politicians try to appeal to as many different constituents as possible, some may make too many and/or lofty commitments that they end up satisfying no one. While the African-American community may have had more than it share of broken promises from politicians, I believe America as a whole has had it share of broken promises, too. Per DJ, what is different is that the African-American community places a greater emphasis on a person’s word because for a long time, the only thing of value in the African-American community was a person’s word.
While there are differences between the many cultures that make up America, I think people in general want to find common ground with each other so we can work together to help make things better. Obviously, CD-3 is more in need than other parts of the country, but it does highlight some of the challenges we face if the economy continues to remain anemic for an extended period of time.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
Should We Hide Inmates On Work Release Programs?
I occasionally go to The Jacksonville Landing for lunch at the food court since it is a couple of blocks from my office. Upon leaving the food court this past Thursday, I noticed several women wearing bright orange outfits with “Jail” emblazoned on the back performing work around The Landing (which sits on city property).
Since crime is more common in Florida’s 3rd Congressional District (CD-3) than the other surrounding congressional districts due in part to high unemployment and poverty, I picked up a conversation with one of the inmates in an attempt to learn what led her to commit a crime. In the process of talking to the inmate, I learned that she coincidentally lives with her mother in the district. However, I did not have the opportunity to learn more because a fellow patron and fellow resident of CD-3 took offense of me having a conversation with the inmate thinking that I would place her in further trouble. The gentleman also shared with me that he thought the Sheriff Department's decision to place her and her fellow inmates on display via a work detail was bad because it could negatively impact the inmates’ morale.
While I respect his concern that I may have placed the inmate in further trouble, I see nothing wrong in a properly supervised work detail comprised of low risk inmates for several reasons, which are:
1. The inmates committed a crime and owe a debt to society. More specifically, taxpayer dollars are used to house criminals; therefore, why not use inmate labor to maintain city property?
2. Should not the visible display of a work detail made up of inmates serve as symbol to others that crime does not pay?
I rhetorically asked the gentleman should not our interest lie more in helping to prevent a crime from ever taking place than worrying about an inmate’s psyche?
Crime prevention requires a two-prong attack, the stick and the carrot (in other words, fear and desire). A work detail just happens to be the stick; it should induce fear that crime leads to unpleasant things for the perpetrator. The perpetrator may then have desire to find work, which arguably would lead to a more satisfying and enjoyable life. If the person cannot find work then we need to find out why. Typically, the reason is lack of a proper education. However, in this case, I never did find out the real reason because the work detail moved on.
Since crime is more common in Florida’s 3rd Congressional District (CD-3) than the other surrounding congressional districts due in part to high unemployment and poverty, I picked up a conversation with one of the inmates in an attempt to learn what led her to commit a crime. In the process of talking to the inmate, I learned that she coincidentally lives with her mother in the district. However, I did not have the opportunity to learn more because a fellow patron and fellow resident of CD-3 took offense of me having a conversation with the inmate thinking that I would place her in further trouble. The gentleman also shared with me that he thought the Sheriff Department's decision to place her and her fellow inmates on display via a work detail was bad because it could negatively impact the inmates’ morale.
While I respect his concern that I may have placed the inmate in further trouble, I see nothing wrong in a properly supervised work detail comprised of low risk inmates for several reasons, which are:
1. The inmates committed a crime and owe a debt to society. More specifically, taxpayer dollars are used to house criminals; therefore, why not use inmate labor to maintain city property?
2. Should not the visible display of a work detail made up of inmates serve as symbol to others that crime does not pay?
I rhetorically asked the gentleman should not our interest lie more in helping to prevent a crime from ever taking place than worrying about an inmate’s psyche?
Crime prevention requires a two-prong attack, the stick and the carrot (in other words, fear and desire). A work detail just happens to be the stick; it should induce fear that crime leads to unpleasant things for the perpetrator. The perpetrator may then have desire to find work, which arguably would lead to a more satisfying and enjoyable life. If the person cannot find work then we need to find out why. Typically, the reason is lack of a proper education. However, in this case, I never did find out the real reason because the work detail moved on.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Education More Important Than Transportation
I walked through the Highlands section of Jacksonville, FL off Broward Road near the Trout River in Duval County within Precinct 08X. Similar to other communities that have water front properties, the further removed from the water, the less affluent the neighborhood becomes. As such, the interest and concerns of the people change as well.
I found most of the people with whom I spoke very helpful, some even referring others to me. Most all liked my message that education/lifelong learning was more important than transportation related issues, such as high speed rail, to solving the ills of the district.
I found most of the people with whom I spoke very helpful, some even referring others to me. Most all liked my message that education/lifelong learning was more important than transportation related issues, such as high speed rail, to solving the ills of the district.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Despair in Interlachen, FL
I visited Interlachen, FL several miles west of Palatka, FL in Putnam Co. While people were friendly to me, I sensed despair, which I attribute to a poor economy and the lack of work in town.
I met one man who has been out of work for over a year. He and I spoke for about an hour. He felt that most politicians had lost touch with people like him. Others in town seemed to have the same feeling. I think it boils down to a buy vs. build decision. As I see it, politicians buy a campaign machine at the expense of building a grassroots organization comprised of volunteers.
While most politicians probably prefer to utilize a grassroots approach, they revert to buying a campaign machine because of two main challenges, which are:
1. Human nature; people do not work for free unless there is something in it for them; and
2. Building an effective grassroots campaign is hard and time consuming. Most politicians do not have the skill set (i.e. selling the intangible, ideas to get people motivated to volunteer) and the time to go door-to-door to jump start the process.
Therefore, politicians end up pursuing those with dollars (typically special interest) at the expense of ignoring a sizable amount of the voter base until they no longer can, which is around election time. However, I think people are getting frustrated with their elected officials and are more willing to volunteer.
Just think if more people got involved with campaigns by taking an hour or two out of the month to spread the word about candidates, then candidates may begin to shift their focus. In doing so, politicians will become more accountable to their true constituents (i.e. voter base), which in theory should lead to better legislation.
I met one man who has been out of work for over a year. He and I spoke for about an hour. He felt that most politicians had lost touch with people like him. Others in town seemed to have the same feeling. I think it boils down to a buy vs. build decision. As I see it, politicians buy a campaign machine at the expense of building a grassroots organization comprised of volunteers.
While most politicians probably prefer to utilize a grassroots approach, they revert to buying a campaign machine because of two main challenges, which are:
1. Human nature; people do not work for free unless there is something in it for them; and
2. Building an effective grassroots campaign is hard and time consuming. Most politicians do not have the skill set (i.e. selling the intangible, ideas to get people motivated to volunteer) and the time to go door-to-door to jump start the process.
Therefore, politicians end up pursuing those with dollars (typically special interest) at the expense of ignoring a sizable amount of the voter base until they no longer can, which is around election time. However, I think people are getting frustrated with their elected officials and are more willing to volunteer.
Just think if more people got involved with campaigns by taking an hour or two out of the month to spread the word about candidates, then candidates may begin to shift their focus. In doing so, politicians will become more accountable to their true constituents (i.e. voter base), which in theory should lead to better legislation.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Of The House Healthcare Bill
A more appropriate solution to our healthcare challenge is establishing a task force rather than enacting a healthcare bill (as passed with a very narrow majority in the US House) that fails to address the primary issue. The primary issue is affordability, either due to low income by an individual or high cost for services and products sold to an individual. When we balance the humanitarian component with the financial component, we are more likely to build a solution that benefits all. Both parties share responsibility for the current mess because it has taken us decades to get here. A task force focused more on solving problems and less on politics will most likely come up with a better solution for America than what can come from our Congress.
If the current bill, as passed by the US House, is enacted:
1. The Good is that more Americans will have greater and easier access to healthcare, which undoubtedly benefits a sizeable percentage of people living in Florida Congressional District 3 (CD-3).
2. The Bad is that there will be losers, which builds resentment with those that lost.
3. The Ugly is that our country will be worse off in the future because the primary issue of affordability (that makes healthcare inaccessible) was never solved and in the end those that should benefit most will most likely suffer once again, which is not good for CD-3 long-term.
Point 1 from above should be easily understood, what might not be are Points 2 and 3. Anytime there is vocal opposition, as we have seen in response to the healthcare legislation, then there are losers, perceived and/or real. Most people in business (which is totally different than politics) know that all parties should win in the formation of a deal.
With the current healthcare reform, the President and the controlling party in Congress are trying to ram down some people’s throats a bill that they distaste. This will build resentment and is bad for our country long-term. We need to work together.
We cannot put the parties on a couch or put them in a room to work out their problems so instead we need to turn over the process of crafting a workable solution to a neutral party comprised of experienced healthcare consultants. The consultants would get paid their normal fee for their work, but would also receive incentives over time for achieving milestones such as reducing the cost of providing healthcare from currently 16% of GDP to 11% of GDP (inline with other industrialized nations) while making healthcare accessible to those that currently do not have it.
This will not be easy and it will take time. I suspect it will be a multiple step process that will take ten (10) years or more. There will be an initial research phase followed by implementation of some items followed by evaluation and additional researched followed by ... and so on until we arrive to a solution that the majority of Americans (not elected officials) initially agreed upon.
If the current bill, as passed by the US House, is enacted:
1. The Good is that more Americans will have greater and easier access to healthcare, which undoubtedly benefits a sizeable percentage of people living in Florida Congressional District 3 (CD-3).
2. The Bad is that there will be losers, which builds resentment with those that lost.
3. The Ugly is that our country will be worse off in the future because the primary issue of affordability (that makes healthcare inaccessible) was never solved and in the end those that should benefit most will most likely suffer once again, which is not good for CD-3 long-term.
Point 1 from above should be easily understood, what might not be are Points 2 and 3. Anytime there is vocal opposition, as we have seen in response to the healthcare legislation, then there are losers, perceived and/or real. Most people in business (which is totally different than politics) know that all parties should win in the formation of a deal.
With the current healthcare reform, the President and the controlling party in Congress are trying to ram down some people’s throats a bill that they distaste. This will build resentment and is bad for our country long-term. We need to work together.
We cannot put the parties on a couch or put them in a room to work out their problems so instead we need to turn over the process of crafting a workable solution to a neutral party comprised of experienced healthcare consultants. The consultants would get paid their normal fee for their work, but would also receive incentives over time for achieving milestones such as reducing the cost of providing healthcare from currently 16% of GDP to 11% of GDP (inline with other industrialized nations) while making healthcare accessible to those that currently do not have it.
This will not be easy and it will take time. I suspect it will be a multiple step process that will take ten (10) years or more. There will be an initial research phase followed by implementation of some items followed by evaluation and additional researched followed by ... and so on until we arrive to a solution that the majority of Americans (not elected officials) initially agreed upon.
Working Class Just Getting By
I visited the Ortega Hills area near the Jacksonville Naval Air Station off Highway 17 in Jacksonville, FL/Duval Co. within Precinct 14K this past Saturday. The people that make up this older neighborhood work as technicians, truck drivers, etc… Consequently, these folks are feeling the pain of the prolonged recession; one even indicated that his house is in the process of being foreclosed.
I met another man who is now retired. He lives in the community’s model home that he purchased 50+ years ago. He claims to still have some of the furniture that came with the house. The day I talked to him, he was doing work in his shed. He explained that he was no longer registered to vote because he was getting called in too often for jury duty and did not like reporting to due to health issues associated with old age. I can empathize with him after observing him struggle to move about the shed.
I have met others who are also not registered to vote for one reason or another, but I think the prevailing reason is that people do not believe their vote makes a difference. While statistically true, the process of voting (vetting candidates, etc…) is what protects our freedoms. I try to impart this when I visit with people that chose not to register, but my points seem to fall on death ears sometimes, which may indicate that some people have given up hope.
I met another man who is now retired. He lives in the community’s model home that he purchased 50+ years ago. He claims to still have some of the furniture that came with the house. The day I talked to him, he was doing work in his shed. He explained that he was no longer registered to vote because he was getting called in too often for jury duty and did not like reporting to due to health issues associated with old age. I can empathize with him after observing him struggle to move about the shed.
I have met others who are also not registered to vote for one reason or another, but I think the prevailing reason is that people do not believe their vote makes a difference. While statistically true, the process of voting (vetting candidates, etc…) is what protects our freedoms. I try to impart this when I visit with people that chose not to register, but my points seem to fall on death ears sometimes, which may indicate that some people have given up hope.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Green Cove Springs Inviting
I visited Green Cove Springs (GCS), which is the county seat for Clay County, the county just south of Duval County. More specifically, I visited with the folks in Precinct 606.
I found GCS very warm and inviting, which I attribute to its nice small town feel. If Jacksonville continues to grow, I could see more people moving to GCS just for this reason.
The issues here are essentially the same as in other precincts I have visited. However, I had a wonderful conversation with a longtime resident, who approved of my message of promoting education over transportation as a means of helping the people in Florida’s 3rd Congressional District solve their challenges.
I found GCS very warm and inviting, which I attribute to its nice small town feel. If Jacksonville continues to grow, I could see more people moving to GCS just for this reason.
The issues here are essentially the same as in other precincts I have visited. However, I had a wonderful conversation with a longtime resident, who approved of my message of promoting education over transportation as a means of helping the people in Florida’s 3rd Congressional District solve their challenges.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Education Is A Higher Priority Than Transportation
I walked through the community near A. Philip Randolph High School off Golfair Boulevard in Jacksonville/Duval County within Precinct 08M. This area has a mixture of older homes and new homes, some built by HabiJax, a Habitat for Humanity Project. Based on my conversations, I believe there is a sense of community pride and cohesiveness among the inhabitants.
I was mainly interested in the people’s thoughts towards education. It seems that most believe education is a top priority for the community for the simple reason that with an education, youth are better able to find a job/career and avoid a life of crime. All with whom I spoke indicated that they support elected leaders that place education as a top priority over other issues, such as railroads.
I was mainly interested in the people’s thoughts towards education. It seems that most believe education is a top priority for the community for the simple reason that with an education, youth are better able to find a job/career and avoid a life of crime. All with whom I spoke indicated that they support elected leaders that place education as a top priority over other issues, such as railroads.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
No Silver Bullet
In my first post entitled, Sadness and Hope in Durkeeville, my observation pertaining to the tennis courts and lack of a skill center was not accurate. I learned the tennis courts are an integral part of a skill center operated by the MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation (MWKF) after meeting, by chance, a board member of the foundation. Based this chance meeting, I realized I needed to conduct more research. I had the subsequent opportunity to meet with the foundation’s Executive Director, Terri Florio.
After my extensive conversation with Ms. Florio and tour of the facility, I have a new found appreciation for MWKF and the tennis courts. However, my research led to an interesting self-discovery period, which took me over a month to come to my conclusions that reinforced my prior convictions. Namely, helping the inner city solve its problems will not be easy and will require lots of fortitude over multiple generations. I hope that as a nation we have it in us because the results will pay dividends such as saving tax dollars and helping a group of people enjoy more freedoms and opportunities.
Florida’s 3rd Congressional District (CD-3) is unique in that it encompasses the inner city cores of central and northeast Florida, with the majority of the voters living in Jacksonville, FL. The common characteristics of these inner city cores are high poverty rates, greater incidents of crime and lack of job opportunities. There are many causes that lead to these less-than-desirable effects, but one form of intervention is programs like MWKF that work with the inner city youth to help them make better decisions so they can avoid a life of crime and conversely, have a greater chance of a more fulfilling and rewarding life than their parents and prior generations.
However, spreading the use of programs similar to MWKF is not feasible due to cost alone. Based on MWKF’s cost structure, I calculate it would require over $200,000,000 annually to help just the “at risk youth” in CD-3. There are other issues as well that prevent wide spread adoption of similar programs such as, lack of community support, not all youth will want to or suited to participate, etc.
There is no silver bullet or magic solution. So where do we start? Support programs like MWKF when we can. The following is also needed:
1. A desire in the community to affect change, which means acknowledging the issues and accepting responsibility when warranted;
2. A greater awareness, understanding and desire to help/mentor by those outside the community;
3. An ongoing constructive dialog between those in the community and outside the community; and
4. Effective leadership on local, state and federal levels.
After my extensive conversation with Ms. Florio and tour of the facility, I have a new found appreciation for MWKF and the tennis courts. However, my research led to an interesting self-discovery period, which took me over a month to come to my conclusions that reinforced my prior convictions. Namely, helping the inner city solve its problems will not be easy and will require lots of fortitude over multiple generations. I hope that as a nation we have it in us because the results will pay dividends such as saving tax dollars and helping a group of people enjoy more freedoms and opportunities.
Florida’s 3rd Congressional District (CD-3) is unique in that it encompasses the inner city cores of central and northeast Florida, with the majority of the voters living in Jacksonville, FL. The common characteristics of these inner city cores are high poverty rates, greater incidents of crime and lack of job opportunities. There are many causes that lead to these less-than-desirable effects, but one form of intervention is programs like MWKF that work with the inner city youth to help them make better decisions so they can avoid a life of crime and conversely, have a greater chance of a more fulfilling and rewarding life than their parents and prior generations.
However, spreading the use of programs similar to MWKF is not feasible due to cost alone. Based on MWKF’s cost structure, I calculate it would require over $200,000,000 annually to help just the “at risk youth” in CD-3. There are other issues as well that prevent wide spread adoption of similar programs such as, lack of community support, not all youth will want to or suited to participate, etc.
There is no silver bullet or magic solution. So where do we start? Support programs like MWKF when we can. The following is also needed:
1. A desire in the community to affect change, which means acknowledging the issues and accepting responsibility when warranted;
2. A greater awareness, understanding and desire to help/mentor by those outside the community;
3. An ongoing constructive dialog between those in the community and outside the community; and
4. Effective leadership on local, state and federal levels.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
What Came First, The Chicken Or The Egg?
Today I visited Black Expo held at the Prime Osborn Center in Jacksonville, Florida. Beyond the niche market demographic the expo catered to, it was like most others I have attended.
I was more intrigued by the average income figure of the target market listed on the ‘demographic’ section of the website promoting the expo. The average income of African-Americans living in the area, which Florida Congressional District 3 (CD-3) comprises, is slightly less than $27,000 per year or $2,250 per month and is $6,000 less the median income of all inhabitants of CD-3. I am intrigued by that income figure because of the causes and effects from such a figure.
The effects are easier to understand. I believe it is hard to live on that amount of income over an extended period of time, even more so if you are supporting more than one person. Arguably, one can only provide for current necessities and has little disposable income to purchase any kind of quality insurance (such as health, life, or property), to save for an emergency, to save for retirement, to invest in themselves by taking a course at a community college or online, and the list goes on.
There are probably multiple causes which are intertwined leading to less-than-an-average income. Without hope, persistence and a smart game plan, it would be hard to move up into a higher income level. The weak link is a lack of knowledge from an improper or poor education. But how does one know what a proper education is if they have been the beneficiary of an improper education. Hmm? It is kind of like, what came first, the chicken or the egg?
I was more intrigued by the average income figure of the target market listed on the ‘demographic’ section of the website promoting the expo. The average income of African-Americans living in the area, which Florida Congressional District 3 (CD-3) comprises, is slightly less than $27,000 per year or $2,250 per month and is $6,000 less the median income of all inhabitants of CD-3. I am intrigued by that income figure because of the causes and effects from such a figure.
The effects are easier to understand. I believe it is hard to live on that amount of income over an extended period of time, even more so if you are supporting more than one person. Arguably, one can only provide for current necessities and has little disposable income to purchase any kind of quality insurance (such as health, life, or property), to save for an emergency, to save for retirement, to invest in themselves by taking a course at a community college or online, and the list goes on.
There are probably multiple causes which are intertwined leading to less-than-an-average income. Without hope, persistence and a smart game plan, it would be hard to move up into a higher income level. The weak link is a lack of knowledge from an improper or poor education. But how does one know what a proper education is if they have been the beneficiary of an improper education. Hmm? It is kind of like, what came first, the chicken or the egg?
Monday, October 5, 2009
Shrinking Standard Of Living
I visited the neighborhoods of Deland, Florida in Volusia County that comprise Florida Congressional District 3 (CD-3). It should not come as a surprise, but the neighborhoods were comprised of people that were less affluent than those that live in the other neighborhoods of Deland that surround CD-3. The issues of poverty, lack of employment opportunities, as observed in the other parts of CD-3, are here, too.
My first visit was with a community recreation center where I had the opportunity to speak with a man that was focused on helping young men avoid the life of crime. He himself had been in prison once. He turned his life around with the help of God and was now an associate pastor at a nearby church, but during the week he worked at the center.
My longest visit was with a group of two men and a woman sitting outside relaxing under the setting sun. All were frustrated with the economy and lack of job prospects. One even complained that his wages were stagnant, yet the cost of living had increased. I can fully understand his plight. He is not alone and I believe more people will join his ranks because of the effects from our past and current fiscal policies.
Our ongoing deficits and large national debt will eventually lead to inflation. Even worse will be anemic wage growth due to foreign competition unless workers can provide greater value obtained through ongoing/lifelong training and education. The good news is that those who can provide value by solving other people’s problems will find employment that provides financial security.
My first visit was with a community recreation center where I had the opportunity to speak with a man that was focused on helping young men avoid the life of crime. He himself had been in prison once. He turned his life around with the help of God and was now an associate pastor at a nearby church, but during the week he worked at the center.
My longest visit was with a group of two men and a woman sitting outside relaxing under the setting sun. All were frustrated with the economy and lack of job prospects. One even complained that his wages were stagnant, yet the cost of living had increased. I can fully understand his plight. He is not alone and I believe more people will join his ranks because of the effects from our past and current fiscal policies.
Our ongoing deficits and large national debt will eventually lead to inflation. Even worse will be anemic wage growth due to foreign competition unless workers can provide greater value obtained through ongoing/lifelong training and education. The good news is that those who can provide value by solving other people’s problems will find employment that provides financial security.
How Does SunRail Benefit The People?
In Orlando today, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, U.S. Congresswoman Corrine Brown and U.S. Congressman John Mica hosted US Department of Transportation Secretary Ray H. LaHood for a briefing session on the status of high-speed rail in Florida. More specifically, Secretary LaHood was there to put pressure on Florida to fund the SunRail project (a central Florida commuter rail system) so it has a greater chance to win federal funding for a high-speed rail system.
Even though I advocate rail transportation, the thing that bothers me about SunRail and the initial leg of the proposed high-speed rail in Florida is that it provides very, very little benefit to those
in Florida Congressional District 3 (CD-3). All this show and tell as seen in this photo makes me wonder whom my Congresswoman is really representing? I do not think it is the citizens of CD-3.
If she were truly representing us in Washington, she would be focusing all her hard work and dedication on those things that would provide a greater impact to our community such as:
1. Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education,
2. Healthy Families and Communities, and
3. Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.
Even though I advocate rail transportation, the thing that bothers me about SunRail and the initial leg of the proposed high-speed rail in Florida is that it provides very, very little benefit to those
in Florida Congressional District 3 (CD-3). All this show and tell as seen in this photo makes me wonder whom my Congresswoman is really representing? I do not think it is the citizens of CD-3.If she were truly representing us in Washington, she would be focusing all her hard work and dedication on those things that would provide a greater impact to our community such as:
1. Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education,
2. Healthy Families and Communities, and
3. Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Boys2Men Symposium, A Community Sponsored Program
I attended the Boys2Men Symposium sponsored by Northside Church of Christ in Jacksonville, Florida. I visited the conference to see first hand the programs designed by the community to help young men in the community achieve success.
Based on what I saw, I would say the symposium was a success; however, this is an isolated program that primarily helps young men that live in the surrounding neighborhoods. There are many other neighborhoods that could benefit from such a program. The challenge is finding the resources, the commitment of a strong leader over an extended period of time, and support from the community to make it a success.
Based on what I saw, I would say the symposium was a success; however, this is an isolated program that primarily helps young men that live in the surrounding neighborhoods. There are many other neighborhoods that could benefit from such a program. The challenge is finding the resources, the commitment of a strong leader over an extended period of time, and support from the community to make it a success.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Harlem, NY Is Not In The District
On my trip to NYC I visited the folks of Harlem Children’s Zone (as shown in this picture).
I made a visit because it serves as a basis for Jacksonville’s New Town Success Zone. Prior to talking with a Harlem Children's Zone (HCZ) staff member, I walked through Harlem to talk with people on the street to learn their thoughts about the organization.
Of those that knew of HCZ, all spoke favorably. I met a couple of families with young children whom were living in shelters in other parts of the city prior to moving into the zone so their children could benefit from the programs provided by HCZ. I also talked to a student currently enrolled in the programs. He beamed with a broad smile, because he credits the program for giving him the opportunity to attend college the following year.
Following my walk, I debriefed a HCZ staff member that I support their mission, but was concerned that we may be raising a future generation that may believe that these programs come free and will be free of charge for their children if and when they have any. I was told that they are aware of that and that their programs (beyond academic counseling) provide rewards only to those children that have demonstrated positive behavior (attending school, doing homework, etc..). Sounds fair and reasonable, but I am still not sure; however, HCZ has improved lives, which is a major accomplishment that I applaud.
I made a visit because it serves as a basis for Jacksonville’s New Town Success Zone. Prior to talking with a Harlem Children's Zone (HCZ) staff member, I walked through Harlem to talk with people on the street to learn their thoughts about the organization.Of those that knew of HCZ, all spoke favorably. I met a couple of families with young children whom were living in shelters in other parts of the city prior to moving into the zone so their children could benefit from the programs provided by HCZ. I also talked to a student currently enrolled in the programs. He beamed with a broad smile, because he credits the program for giving him the opportunity to attend college the following year.
Following my walk, I debriefed a HCZ staff member that I support their mission, but was concerned that we may be raising a future generation that may believe that these programs come free and will be free of charge for their children if and when they have any. I was told that they are aware of that and that their programs (beyond academic counseling) provide rewards only to those children that have demonstrated positive behavior (attending school, doing homework, etc..). Sounds fair and reasonable, but I am still not sure; however, HCZ has improved lives, which is a major accomplishment that I applaud.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Taking Control Of Washington
I visited with folks in the eastern most precinct of Florida Congressional District 3 (CD-3), 04H in Duval County. This is an older neighborhood that was probably built during the 1950s and 1960s as Jacksonville spread East to the Atlantic Ocean. Some homes and yards are nice whereas others have seen better days.
I had a very engaging conversation with a family. We talked for approximately two hours about:
1. Their disappointment with their current representation in Washington,
2. Their thoughts about the direction of our country, and
3. How to run a political campaign.
It was nice to see citizens so engaged in the political process. If more people were, then citizens of the United States would begin to take back control of Washington by electing people that represented them and not special interests.
I had a very engaging conversation with a family. We talked for approximately two hours about:
1. Their disappointment with their current representation in Washington,
2. Their thoughts about the direction of our country, and
3. How to run a political campaign.
It was nice to see citizens so engaged in the political process. If more people were, then citizens of the United States would begin to take back control of Washington by electing people that represented them and not special interests.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Breaking the Cycle in New Town
I recently visited a New Town Success Zone (NTSZ) monthly meeting in Jacksonville, Florida. New Town is an area within Florida Congressional District 3 (CD-3) and is representative of many of the inner city areas of CD-3. It is high in crime, poverty, etc...
NTSZ is modeled after the Harlem Children’s Zone and per NTSZ’s website, it is “a community collaboration with the Jacksonville Children's Commission providing intensive resources to families living within the New Town area - supporting children from cradle to college and beyond.” ‘Intensive resources’ is an understatement.
Based on my onetime observation, I was amazed at the amount of resources being applied to this small area. In addition to tax dollars supplied through the city, the police department, a local hospital, and several community/regional charities also contribute resources of one form or another to this area. More importantly, there are many individuals, including outsiders, investing their time and efforts to help others improve their lives.
It is in our nation’s best interest to help people in communities such as New Town learn problem solving skills, etc... so they can become self-reliant. Once self-reliant, these individuals can become productive members of society and possibly help others do the same.
However, I am just not so sure how sustainable and scalable the NTSZ model is in solving the challenges of poverty, crime, etc… throughout CD-3 and elsewhere, yet we need to start somewhere.
NTSZ is modeled after the Harlem Children’s Zone and per NTSZ’s website, it is “a community collaboration with the Jacksonville Children's Commission providing intensive resources to families living within the New Town area - supporting children from cradle to college and beyond.” ‘Intensive resources’ is an understatement.
Based on my onetime observation, I was amazed at the amount of resources being applied to this small area. In addition to tax dollars supplied through the city, the police department, a local hospital, and several community/regional charities also contribute resources of one form or another to this area. More importantly, there are many individuals, including outsiders, investing their time and efforts to help others improve their lives.
It is in our nation’s best interest to help people in communities such as New Town learn problem solving skills, etc... so they can become self-reliant. Once self-reliant, these individuals can become productive members of society and possibly help others do the same.
However, I am just not so sure how sustainable and scalable the NTSZ model is in solving the challenges of poverty, crime, etc… throughout CD-3 and elsewhere, yet we need to start somewhere.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Redemption, Caring, Challenging & Resourcefulness
I truly enjoyed my walk through the St. Nicholas area within Precinct 04S of Duval County. What made it so enjoyable were my observations from other areas of Florida Congressional District 3 (CD-3) are starting to meld together. The four separate discussions and the associated takeaways that stirred me the most are titled Redemption, Caring, Challenging, and Resourcefulness and are shown below.
Redemption
I met a convicted felon who was on his way to work as seen here to the right. He was nice young man who had made a bad decision early in his life. He sold drugs (aka recreational pharmaceuticals) resulting in him spending three years of his life in the Madison, FL prison.
I have met multiple felons in my travels through the district; it seems a conviction (regardless of the time spent in prison) is a life sentence. I have not completed a formal study, but for most felons, one time in prison is more than enough to drive them from crime. However, making a living by being on the straight and narrow is hard.
Arguably, felons did not learn good life skills prior to entering prison (or they would have mostly likely not committed a crime) and did not receive any life skills while in prison that would help them make a decent income so they can avoid a life of crime. As a result, it is very hard to find work on which they can live without subsistence from others. When they do find work, it is typically mind numbing and minimum wage. I can see how some fall back into the trap to become repeat offenders. A mind (and a life) is indeed a terrible thing to waste.
I believe the gentleman I met on my walk is sincere about staying free of crime and I hope he can. Something told me he had a lot of people praying for him, me included.
Caring
I had a very long conversation with a man who had his own business. As I walked away from his house to cross a small field, he followed me. As he followed me, he explained that he was going to pick up a piece of trash he saw at the far end of the field. I told him that I would pick up the piece of trash since it laid in my way. What made this occurrence so satisfying is that this man cared about the appearance of his neighborhood and he was doing something about it.
Since I have started my walks, one thing that has been quite common is the abundance of trash in the common areas in the less affluent neighborhoods, as seen in these photos.
I just do not understand why people litter. The only thing I can think of is that they have no respect for other people and other people’s property, which leads them to indiscriminately debase our planet we share together. I believe there are people in these neighborhoods who care and would like to see a clean neighborhood, but they may hate picking up after others, may be too tired after a long day to go down to the corner to clean up someone else's mess, etc. I do not blame them; cleaning up after someone else is not solving the problem. Solving the problem begins with early childhood development and teaching right from wrong, etc., but if the parents are not there or do not know right from wrong themselves, where do we start as a society? Not an easy question to answer, to what seems to be so minor at first blush.
Challenging
Another man I met had very good thoughts and challenging questions. He worked in the precinct, but lived in the ‘Northside’ section of Jacksonville, which essentially comprises the majority of the CD-3 in Duval County. I suspect he may live in Precinct 07P where I previously visited or somewhere nearby.
His views were both conservative and liberal. He felt we needed stiffer prison sentences, which I find interesting/amusing/sad/frustrating after my discussion with the felon just described above, yet he was for a nationalized healthcare. He believed parents needed to take more responsibility in raising their children, yet he felt we could do more as society to help out the impoverished.
I agree with him about parents taking a greater role in their children’s lives, but what happens when the parents are not there due to a broken family, parents working two jobs, etc.? Who takes care of raising these children? While he might be from the community, I felt he was out of touch with the more challenging areas of the district.
I recently learned from attending a monthly meeting of the Jacksonville Alliance of Black School Educators, an affiliate of the National Alliance of Black, that 40% of all children in Jacksonville are born to single mothers. This statistic is alarming because of the secondary and tertiary effects that it portends. By lowering that number, I am sure there would be a less of a need for more prisons 15 plus years from now.
Resourcefulness
I met a retired gentleman who was in the process of repairing his tire which had a screw embedded in the tread. I mentioned I normally pay $20 to have it fixed at the tire store. He informed that he was retired and could not afford a $20 fee. However, he did have enough to purchase a repair kit for one-fourth that amount, which would allow him multiple repairs. After watching him repair the tire (as seen in this photo)
I was embolden that I could do the same, which I figure would save me time in addition to the money. If I had not interrupted him with our conversation, I am sure he could have done the repair in under five minutes, which is far less than it would take me to drive to the tire store a mile or two from home. I suspect he is not alone in the district in being resourceful since the district has some of the highest poverty rates in the state of Florida and the nation.
Redemption
I met a convicted felon who was on his way to work as seen here to the right. He was nice young man who had made a bad decision early in his life. He sold drugs (aka recreational pharmaceuticals) resulting in him spending three years of his life in the Madison, FL prison.
I have met multiple felons in my travels through the district; it seems a conviction (regardless of the time spent in prison) is a life sentence. I have not completed a formal study, but for most felons, one time in prison is more than enough to drive them from crime. However, making a living by being on the straight and narrow is hard.
Arguably, felons did not learn good life skills prior to entering prison (or they would have mostly likely not committed a crime) and did not receive any life skills while in prison that would help them make a decent income so they can avoid a life of crime. As a result, it is very hard to find work on which they can live without subsistence from others. When they do find work, it is typically mind numbing and minimum wage. I can see how some fall back into the trap to become repeat offenders. A mind (and a life) is indeed a terrible thing to waste.
I believe the gentleman I met on my walk is sincere about staying free of crime and I hope he can. Something told me he had a lot of people praying for him, me included.
Caring
I had a very long conversation with a man who had his own business. As I walked away from his house to cross a small field, he followed me. As he followed me, he explained that he was going to pick up a piece of trash he saw at the far end of the field. I told him that I would pick up the piece of trash since it laid in my way. What made this occurrence so satisfying is that this man cared about the appearance of his neighborhood and he was doing something about it.
Since I have started my walks, one thing that has been quite common is the abundance of trash in the common areas in the less affluent neighborhoods, as seen in these photos.
I just do not understand why people litter. The only thing I can think of is that they have no respect for other people and other people’s property, which leads them to indiscriminately debase our planet we share together. I believe there are people in these neighborhoods who care and would like to see a clean neighborhood, but they may hate picking up after others, may be too tired after a long day to go down to the corner to clean up someone else's mess, etc. I do not blame them; cleaning up after someone else is not solving the problem. Solving the problem begins with early childhood development and teaching right from wrong, etc., but if the parents are not there or do not know right from wrong themselves, where do we start as a society? Not an easy question to answer, to what seems to be so minor at first blush.Challenging
Another man I met had very good thoughts and challenging questions. He worked in the precinct, but lived in the ‘Northside’ section of Jacksonville, which essentially comprises the majority of the CD-3 in Duval County. I suspect he may live in Precinct 07P where I previously visited or somewhere nearby.
His views were both conservative and liberal. He felt we needed stiffer prison sentences, which I find interesting/amusing/sad/frustrating after my discussion with the felon just described above, yet he was for a nationalized healthcare. He believed parents needed to take more responsibility in raising their children, yet he felt we could do more as society to help out the impoverished.
I agree with him about parents taking a greater role in their children’s lives, but what happens when the parents are not there due to a broken family, parents working two jobs, etc.? Who takes care of raising these children? While he might be from the community, I felt he was out of touch with the more challenging areas of the district.
I recently learned from attending a monthly meeting of the Jacksonville Alliance of Black School Educators, an affiliate of the National Alliance of Black, that 40% of all children in Jacksonville are born to single mothers. This statistic is alarming because of the secondary and tertiary effects that it portends. By lowering that number, I am sure there would be a less of a need for more prisons 15 plus years from now.
Resourcefulness
I met a retired gentleman who was in the process of repairing his tire which had a screw embedded in the tread. I mentioned I normally pay $20 to have it fixed at the tire store. He informed that he was retired and could not afford a $20 fee. However, he did have enough to purchase a repair kit for one-fourth that amount, which would allow him multiple repairs. After watching him repair the tire (as seen in this photo)
I was embolden that I could do the same, which I figure would save me time in addition to the money. If I had not interrupted him with our conversation, I am sure he could have done the repair in under five minutes, which is far less than it would take me to drive to the tire store a mile or two from home. I suspect he is not alone in the district in being resourceful since the district has some of the highest poverty rates in the state of Florida and the nation.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Segregated Middle America at the Tip
I visited the northern most precinct in Florida Congressional District-3 (CD-3), 07P in Duval County. The neighborhoods/communities were probably built within the last twenty years. The streets are wide with a sidewalk to one side and most homes sit on spacious manicured lawns. The homes are similar to the ones in Precinct 01H in Duval County. However, unlike the communities in precinct 01H, which are integrated, the neighborhoods I visited in 07P are essentially not.
I point it out because most other neighborhoods segregated by race in the district are less affluent. It is nice to see a whole community of African-Americans in the district who live in neighborhoods free of crime and poverty and have achieved, which I think most would consider being, the American Dream.
I welcome integration and think it is highly beneficial, but realize segregation still occurs today either by choice or design. I think most Americans want to look past the color of one’s skin, but there are cultural differences between the races that tends to separate us. However, through education, understanding and respect, we can overcome these differences to be a more integrated society. It is happening in communities such as those in Precinct 01H.
I point it out because most other neighborhoods segregated by race in the district are less affluent. It is nice to see a whole community of African-Americans in the district who live in neighborhoods free of crime and poverty and have achieved, which I think most would consider being, the American Dream.
I welcome integration and think it is highly beneficial, but realize segregation still occurs today either by choice or design. I think most Americans want to look past the color of one’s skin, but there are cultural differences between the races that tends to separate us. However, through education, understanding and respect, we can overcome these differences to be a more integrated society. It is happening in communities such as those in Precinct 01H.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Retreat Indoors
This past weekend I visited several communities within Precinct 01H at the north end of University Boulevard in Jacksonville, Duval County. Historic Sanford aside, these communities are some of the nicest I have visited in Florida Congressional District 3 (CD-3) and are inhibited from a socioeconomic standpoint, by both black and white middle income individuals/families. The homes are relatively new, fairly large and nicer than the one my family and I live in.
Interestingly, I had hard time finding people willing to talk with me compared to other neighborhoods previously visited. A beautiful Saturday could be a contributing factor; however, I think it has more to do with the availability of A/C, lack of porches and that these people arguably have longer commutes to work and shopping than others. After a hard work day/week and a long commute, people retreat indoors where it is cool to unwind.
Of the people with whom I spoke, I observed a similar pattern of concerns to those observed in historic Sanford; once basic human needs are satisfied, concerns are more varied.
Interestingly, I had hard time finding people willing to talk with me compared to other neighborhoods previously visited. A beautiful Saturday could be a contributing factor; however, I think it has more to do with the availability of A/C, lack of porches and that these people arguably have longer commutes to work and shopping than others. After a hard work day/week and a long commute, people retreat indoors where it is cool to unwind.
Of the people with whom I spoke, I observed a similar pattern of concerns to those observed in historic Sanford; once basic human needs are satisfied, concerns are more varied.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Two Worlds Aparts
I visited two separate communities in Sanford/Seminole County. While only a mile apart, the communities were opposite in many ways. The most notable differences can be seen in the two pictures below.
However, the differences go even deeper than from a visual perspective. The concerns of the citizens occupying these different communities are just as stark. The people in the more impoverished neighborhood are concerned about basic human necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, health care, whereas the people in the more affluent neighborhood are concerned about gun rights, abortion, taxes.
The best way to summarize the differences is to look at Maslov’s hierarchy of needs, which goes a long way in understanding those in the community and explaining what people seek from their representation in Washington.
However, the differences go even deeper than from a visual perspective. The concerns of the citizens occupying these different communities are just as stark. The people in the more impoverished neighborhood are concerned about basic human necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, health care, whereas the people in the more affluent neighborhood are concerned about gun rights, abortion, taxes.
The best way to summarize the differences is to look at Maslov’s hierarchy of needs, which goes a long way in understanding those in the community and explaining what people seek from their representation in Washington.
Monday, August 31, 2009
The Ripples From Foreclosure
I walked through a town home complex in the Lexington Square area within Precinct 14 of Jacksonville/Duval County. I talked to all types of people. I communicated with those that could be classified as working class, professional class, retirees, young families, singles, blacks, Hispanics, whites, liberals, moderates, conservatives. Most seemed content with a few mentions about trash and foreclosed homes with neglected yards (as seen here).
While this community arguably has a higher per capita income than other areas in the district, it is not immune to the effects from the recent economic downturn. If anything, it has been hit just as hard as the more impoverished areas.
Based on my conversations with people in this community, observations in other parts of the district, my experience as a stock analyst, and my understanding of the banking system, I believe we will continue to see more foreclosures. In general, I think foreclosures are highly disruptive to the stability of the family fabric as some families become homeless, move back in with parents or move in with friends. All situations surely lead to stress, which could result in violence, dissolution of a marriage or any other number of negative outcomes. I expect the ripples from these stresses to:
1. Continue to affect policies being made in Washington, D.C for the foreseeable future and
2. More importantly, leave an indelible mark on future generations, which is both good and bad.
While this community arguably has a higher per capita income than other areas in the district, it is not immune to the effects from the recent economic downturn. If anything, it has been hit just as hard as the more impoverished areas.
Based on my conversations with people in this community, observations in other parts of the district, my experience as a stock analyst, and my understanding of the banking system, I believe we will continue to see more foreclosures. In general, I think foreclosures are highly disruptive to the stability of the family fabric as some families become homeless, move back in with parents or move in with friends. All situations surely lead to stress, which could result in violence, dissolution of a marriage or any other number of negative outcomes. I expect the ripples from these stresses to:
1. Continue to affect policies being made in Washington, D.C for the foreseeable future and
2. More importantly, leave an indelible mark on future generations, which is both good and bad.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Blind Leading the Blind
Monday August 24, Clay County Democratic Executive Committee hosted a town hall meeting with Florida Congressional District 3 (CD-3) Representative, Congresswoman Brown. As expected, discussion centered on healthcare reform. Even though the meeting was open to the public, approximately only 100 people were in attendance. The small crowd and Ms. Brown can be seen in the photo below.
The low turnout either indicates that people have little interest in what is occurring in Washington (which is not a positive sign) or that the meeting notice was not as well publicized as initially thought. Fortunately, the meeting was civil and there were few disruptions.
To my dismay, Ms. Brown demonstrated that she has very little understanding of economics and current events based on the following anecdotal evidence:
1. She mentioned that she was saddened that Florida had some of the highest unemployment and foreclosure rates in the country and verbally indicated she did not know why. I would expect my representative to know that Florida’s economy in based in part on tourism and when that dries up due to a sour economy, people lose jobs and when people are unemployed an extended period of time, they are more at risk of losing their home to foreclosure.
2. When she took an informal poll asking the attendees what they wanted in a healthcare bill, one commented that Medicare should be expanded to all, which drew praise from the crowd. I was hoping that someone would ask the hard follow up question about Medicare's funding status (I would have, but only Democrats were allowed to ask questions). I expected Congresswoman Brown to educate the attendees that the Medicare program is at risk of going insolvent, but she did not and I wonder why. I suspect she does not know because she did share negative news about other programs earlier in the meeting. As such, I believe this is a classic case of the blind leading the blind, which is extremely troubling for us long term. I do not expect citizens to know the details of federal government programs, but I think it is imperative that our elected representatives do.
I am not against government providing a healthcare solution or any solution for that matter if it works, but I have yet to see a successful government program implemented on a large scale over an extended period of time. However, I commend our current President for wanting to tackle the situation. We need more of these types of discussions because I believe they serve to educate the populace. With a more informed populace, we should be able to, as a society, make better decisions. Some of those decisions would include prioritizing our spending and saying no to the lower priority items.
What I find interesting with the current discussion on healthcare is that I have yet to hear much talk about fixing Medicare and its cousin, Social Security, which I think is important before expanding government healthcare to all. Both of these social programs will be stressed (even without adding the additional stress of a nationalized healthcare system) in the next two decades due to baby boomers at a time when we will be:
1. Trying to handle one of the largest debt loads the nation has ever faced; and
2. Trying to maintain our supremacy as an economic powerhouse when an ever-strengthening China will surely challenge us.
I understand the need to make healthcare affordable for all, especially for the working class and the uninsurable. If our leadership is blind, as my current representation appears to be, I suggest we go slowly. Conversely, if we want to go fast as our President seems to indicate then I suggest CD-3 needs new representation that has a better problem solving skills and a better understanding of economics.
The low turnout either indicates that people have little interest in what is occurring in Washington (which is not a positive sign) or that the meeting notice was not as well publicized as initially thought. Fortunately, the meeting was civil and there were few disruptions.
To my dismay, Ms. Brown demonstrated that she has very little understanding of economics and current events based on the following anecdotal evidence:
1. She mentioned that she was saddened that Florida had some of the highest unemployment and foreclosure rates in the country and verbally indicated she did not know why. I would expect my representative to know that Florida’s economy in based in part on tourism and when that dries up due to a sour economy, people lose jobs and when people are unemployed an extended period of time, they are more at risk of losing their home to foreclosure.
2. When she took an informal poll asking the attendees what they wanted in a healthcare bill, one commented that Medicare should be expanded to all, which drew praise from the crowd. I was hoping that someone would ask the hard follow up question about Medicare's funding status (I would have, but only Democrats were allowed to ask questions). I expected Congresswoman Brown to educate the attendees that the Medicare program is at risk of going insolvent, but she did not and I wonder why. I suspect she does not know because she did share negative news about other programs earlier in the meeting. As such, I believe this is a classic case of the blind leading the blind, which is extremely troubling for us long term. I do not expect citizens to know the details of federal government programs, but I think it is imperative that our elected representatives do.
I am not against government providing a healthcare solution or any solution for that matter if it works, but I have yet to see a successful government program implemented on a large scale over an extended period of time. However, I commend our current President for wanting to tackle the situation. We need more of these types of discussions because I believe they serve to educate the populace. With a more informed populace, we should be able to, as a society, make better decisions. Some of those decisions would include prioritizing our spending and saying no to the lower priority items.
What I find interesting with the current discussion on healthcare is that I have yet to hear much talk about fixing Medicare and its cousin, Social Security, which I think is important before expanding government healthcare to all. Both of these social programs will be stressed (even without adding the additional stress of a nationalized healthcare system) in the next two decades due to baby boomers at a time when we will be:
1. Trying to handle one of the largest debt loads the nation has ever faced; and
2. Trying to maintain our supremacy as an economic powerhouse when an ever-strengthening China will surely challenge us.
I understand the need to make healthcare affordable for all, especially for the working class and the uninsurable. If our leadership is blind, as my current representation appears to be, I suggest we go slowly. Conversely, if we want to go fast as our President seems to indicate then I suggest CD-3 needs new representation that has a better problem solving skills and a better understanding of economics.
Cleanse Thy Soul
I recently worshiped with members of Mount Zion Commandment Keeping Church of the First Born of Central Florida led by Bishop Ron Johnson. I consider the Bishop a friend and believe he is influential in the community of Florida Congressional District 3 (FL CD-3) even though his church is not physically located in the district. His church has a small congregation, which I believe he prefers because it allows him to minister on a more intimate level. He is definitely a man of God and cares about all regardless of creed.
The day I attended there were less than 20 people in attendance. I walked in 5 minutes late, but the Bishop stopped the service to give me a warm welcome. Since he was not giving the sermon that day, he sat next to me. Between hymns and other parts of the service he whispered some context with me about some of the parishioners. I shared with him half way through the service that I enjoyed attending black churches because they are so uplifting and contrasted so much to the church I grew up in. After the formal service ended, I was able to see my fellow congregants with new eyes. I imagine that was his purpose of ministry, to open mine afresh.
Raised as an Episcopalian, I learned the forms of worship such as how to kneel without registering a complaint. As I got older, I took pleasure that I could kneel without complaint. Because of the rote structure of church service, if I were to show up late I could easily pick up the service in the Book of Common Prayer without even looking at the printed order.
Typically, the service will last an hour, but inevitably when I was younger it seemed like two. However, my friend’s church service lasted two and a half hours, but sped by in what seemed like an hour. Based on the few churches I have attended in the district, I am beginning to understand why faith is a big part of CD-3. One feels part of a community and your soul feels cleansed after attending. Amen.
The day I attended there were less than 20 people in attendance. I walked in 5 minutes late, but the Bishop stopped the service to give me a warm welcome. Since he was not giving the sermon that day, he sat next to me. Between hymns and other parts of the service he whispered some context with me about some of the parishioners. I shared with him half way through the service that I enjoyed attending black churches because they are so uplifting and contrasted so much to the church I grew up in. After the formal service ended, I was able to see my fellow congregants with new eyes. I imagine that was his purpose of ministry, to open mine afresh.
Raised as an Episcopalian, I learned the forms of worship such as how to kneel without registering a complaint. As I got older, I took pleasure that I could kneel without complaint. Because of the rote structure of church service, if I were to show up late I could easily pick up the service in the Book of Common Prayer without even looking at the printed order.
Typically, the service will last an hour, but inevitably when I was younger it seemed like two. However, my friend’s church service lasted two and a half hours, but sped by in what seemed like an hour. Based on the few churches I have attended in the district, I am beginning to understand why faith is a big part of CD-3. One feels part of a community and your soul feels cleansed after attending. Amen.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Crime Ridden Neighborhood, Indeed
Earlier this week I visited an Orlando, Fla. neighborhood bracketed by I-4 to the north, Holden Ave to the south, OBT (Orange Blossom Trail/US441) to the east and Rio Grande Ave to the west. While the area was clean, what I found so striking were the not so subtle signs of crime. One of the more visible signs was a billboard with the word 'rape' in large bold letters within eye shot of three separate large apartment complexes that catered to families.
I just caught a glance of the billboard from the corner of my eye, but I believe it was a 'public service announcement' to help those that were victims of such a hideous crime. What was equally disheartening were the single women standing alone nearby at either a bus stop or street corner wearing short skirts and low cut tops; their appearance told me they were looking for more for than just a ride to the mall. I wonder how some parents of young girls that live in this neighborhood ensure their safety from predators.
At one of the apartment complexes, I met two security guards. I found several things interesting from this meeting:
1. The guards were young, not the older ones seen driving around in pick-up trucks at malls;
2. They wore bulletproof vests, wrap around sunglasses and carried several firearms. They definitely looked like they were ready for action; and
3. They gave me their business card so I could call them if I got into any trouble. I chuckle at their reasoning for giving me their card because I try to envision myself pulling out their card to find their number so I can dial it while I am running, ducking or hiding for my life. Yeah right.
However, from their point of view, having a business card and being willing to stand accountable for those to whom they give it, is a validation of the professionalism they aspired to in performing their job. I thanked each for their kindness and admire their service.
Based on my conversation with the security guards I thought it would better to walk the streets nearby that were lined with houses. At the first two houses I visited, I met two disgruntled old men. Our meetings were very brief. Both men slammed their front doors in my face. I wondered why they would be so angry, but upon leaving their neighborhood in the opposite direction from which I entered, I found my answer.
The quiet working neighborhood they had moved into many years ago had become crime ridden. Upon leaving, I met separate groups of recreational pharmaceutical salesmen just one to two blocks away. I can see how these men could be frustrated. The homes may be paid, but the resale value has probably not appreciated over the years and may even have depreciated, which limits their ability to move.
Further limiting their ability to 'vote with their feet' is their advanced age. If they have not already retired to live on a fixed income, they soon will. As a result, I think they must feel/believe they are kind of trapped in what may seemed to be an ever-worsening world around them. I just wonder how many others in the district feel trapped too.
I just caught a glance of the billboard from the corner of my eye, but I believe it was a 'public service announcement' to help those that were victims of such a hideous crime. What was equally disheartening were the single women standing alone nearby at either a bus stop or street corner wearing short skirts and low cut tops; their appearance told me they were looking for more for than just a ride to the mall. I wonder how some parents of young girls that live in this neighborhood ensure their safety from predators.
At one of the apartment complexes, I met two security guards. I found several things interesting from this meeting:
1. The guards were young, not the older ones seen driving around in pick-up trucks at malls;
2. They wore bulletproof vests, wrap around sunglasses and carried several firearms. They definitely looked like they were ready for action; and
3. They gave me their business card so I could call them if I got into any trouble. I chuckle at their reasoning for giving me their card because I try to envision myself pulling out their card to find their number so I can dial it while I am running, ducking or hiding for my life. Yeah right.
However, from their point of view, having a business card and being willing to stand accountable for those to whom they give it, is a validation of the professionalism they aspired to in performing their job. I thanked each for their kindness and admire their service.
Based on my conversation with the security guards I thought it would better to walk the streets nearby that were lined with houses. At the first two houses I visited, I met two disgruntled old men. Our meetings were very brief. Both men slammed their front doors in my face. I wondered why they would be so angry, but upon leaving their neighborhood in the opposite direction from which I entered, I found my answer.
The quiet working neighborhood they had moved into many years ago had become crime ridden. Upon leaving, I met separate groups of recreational pharmaceutical salesmen just one to two blocks away. I can see how these men could be frustrated. The homes may be paid, but the resale value has probably not appreciated over the years and may even have depreciated, which limits their ability to move.
Further limiting their ability to 'vote with their feet' is their advanced age. If they have not already retired to live on a fixed income, they soon will. As a result, I think they must feel/believe they are kind of trapped in what may seemed to be an ever-worsening world around them. I just wonder how many others in the district feel trapped too.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Sadness And Hope In Durkeeville
I am truly baffled by the placement of multiple, infrequently used, very well maintained tennis courts in a community rife with poverty, crime and abandoned property; please see photos below.
I recently talked to citizens of precinct 09K within the historic community of Durkeeville in Jacksonville/Duval County, FL. I visited this community after the recent murder of Mary McAllister less than a week ago.
One concerned citizen questioned the wisdom and display of good judgment, building approximately 10 tennis courts in her neighborhood. I could not agree with her more since those courts could not be used due to locks holding the gates firmly closed.
I further agree with the lady that skill centers, not tennis courts are needed by the community. These skill centers would help children and young adults build skills that would be useful in finding a job/career that would provide a living wage, not a minimum wage.
While I talked to quite a few people in the community, I briefly talked to an elderly woman who by all intents and purposes appeared to be taking care of her grandson, arguably not an uncommon occurrence given the high crime rates in the area. The young boy struck me as being misplaced; he seemed so innocent. Maybe it was that his demeanor and politeness contrasted so much with the rough neighborhood just outside the front door of his grandmother’s dilapidated old house (similar to the one shown here).
1. His grandmother will still be around because it appeared she truly wanted a better future for him given the old National Geographics strewn about on the bookshelf by the front door, and
2. That there will be some in government more in tune with community needs prior to providing future community services.
Feel free to write me, with how you feel at: votegilman@gmail.com
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