Brother Al Sharpton, with all due respect I say that continuing to beg those who do not give a damn is an exercise in futility and frustration. Martin talked about the horse and buggy pace of progress. The times demand immediate answers to age old problems and I consider that a good thing. We can no longer afford to vacillate for years about the fate of certain segments of society in an attempt to veil the hidden agenda. A margin call on America is what I am seeing this election cycle. The forces of evil are lined up and ready for dirty trench warfare as is their nature to crawl on their bellies. We are either going to reject the dark snake-like forces of evil who are less than dark in color or we are going to erode and implode further as a society with no segment escaping the aftermath. Unity is the call love is the mandate, this is colorless and yet powerful. All legislation is but a mere hurdle in the face of that. Real meaningful societies are run by justice agreed upon not manipulated. I keep trying to put my finger on the meaning based on the results I am getting.
Killing the Dream
Two thousand and eight is likely to be remembered as the year when the Democrats finally abandoned their base and cynically bent their knees to the will of Senate Republicans obsessed with slamming the door to homeownership closed to the minority, the female, the immigrant, and the working class of America. While multi-billion dollar bailouts to Wall Street investor and homebuilder fatcats are spun as bringing critical aid to crumbling markets, the Bush Administration and its amen corner in the Senate are trying to leave its stamp on affordable housing by killing off one of the most successful experiments in low income homeownership in a generation: privately funded downpayment assistance.
Saving money for a downpayment is hard in the best of times. For many minorities it is near impossible, and arbitrary downpayment standards have redlined black and brown communities out of homeownership opportunities for decades. The answer for almost a million families is privately funded downpayment assistance.
This model of homeownership depends on non-profits to raise money for downpayments from private sellers of real estate that can be used to help an infinite number of families. HUD has tried several times since this model was invented a decade ago to kill it, arguing either the families that needed were somehow "unworthy" of homeownership or could not be counted on to pay their mortgages on time. Now the same voices have a new argument claiming that according to their numbers these programs are driving the FHA program into the red and costing over a billion dollars in losses. Unfortunately, their numbers are as fake as their Martin Luther King Birthday speeches committing to equality and opportunity for all.
Recently, former HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson passionately argued for a regulation that would have banned this program for America's families. Why? Because the Republicans only believe in an "Ownership Society" for those that already have it. Fortunately, two federal judges threw out Secretary Jackson's and his mouthpiece FHA Commissioner Brian Montgomery's regulation citing that HUD broke the law and had to start over.
Justice prevails? Not so fast...the Senate Democrats have come riding to the rescue in the form of Chris Dodd. Dodd, in his quest for "bi-partisanship," has abdicated his commitment for the underserved -- and the rest of the Democrats, like sheep to the shearing, have unquestioningly followed suit.
On April 10, 2008, the Democrat-led U.S. Senate voted 84 - 12 for H.R. 3221, the Foreclosure Prevention Act, or better titled, "The Homeownership Prevention Act." This measure would not only make law THE VERY REGULATION that the federal courts banned killing private downpayment assistance, but went further and RAISED FHA downpayment requirements from 3% to 3.5%. This is the payoff for all of the working class people who voted Democrat in the last election?
Fortunately the House of Representatives has not forgotten about the families in distress. Barney Frank and Maxine Waters along with Speaker Pelosi has smartly put the brakes on the Senate Democrats' dereliction of duty and are thoughtfully considering legislation that remembers the people that sent them to Congress.
The only bailout in this bill was for Wall Street. It was business as usual for Senator Shelby and his Cato Institute cronies, once again slamming the door on homeownership to millions of minority and working families across the country. What a good laugh they must be having at having the Democrats abandon their base when they need them most.
The voters won't be fooled. The hard-working Americans -- blacks, Latinos, women, recent immigrants, and just every day working Americans who put the Democrats back in charge in the Senate -- are paying close attention. We're also paying attention to our presidential candidates as well.
The mission should be to help prospective homeowners, not hurt them. Mend down payment assistance by enacting sensible reforms. Don't kill it off. And finally, at the very moment when this country needs economic stimulus, don't close the doors of homeownership and the aspirations of the millions of families seeking to build a better life for themselves. Remember who sent you here. The American people deserve no less.
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Right on Dude! Putting your finger on it is about all we can expect for now.
Someday (after we are gone) people may be able to grasp it!
ImHotep Rev Al,
All the best to you.
It's time for the FEDERAL government to pay reparations to African Americans like myself who have proof that their ancestors were slaves. It is also time for the FEDERAL government to give us Wyoming, montana, North and South Dakota, Idaho, Nevada, Washington and Oregon, so Black American can begin building it's own Nation.
It is an impossible task to bring about true integration on ALL levels with a population that is 90% against that, and who also hold MOST of the money and POWER.
We cannot integrate with people whose only thought is the destruction of the African American ethnic group.
In the interim, Black people who can prove their ancestors were slaves should no longer have to pay any taxation whatsoever. When we use our credit cards, the total price should be divided by one thousand. That would be a way to begin paying back pay plus interest for the over 200 years our people were worked as chattel slaves, lynched, raped, burned, assaulted, and families split up.
http://clyde.buildlastingsuccess.com
AmenRa
Knowledge is a racist. He is not what the civil rights movement was about. And who is he to demand land? Segregation is not the answer.
I found it a knee slapper he wants land in the northwest which has been a haven for America's other nut jobs, from neo Nazis to end of worlders.
As for reparations take them and like BubbaC33 said transfer them to the families of Union soldiers (vast majority had no dog in the fight; they didn't own slaves and the end of slavery meant nothing to them economically) who died fighting so they could be free.
If any group deserves land it's the Native Americans.
Perhaps Obama can get blacks to start expanding their vision of what's possible and start seeing the good in America (and I'm not saying there's bad because there is). You won't get there in a return to segregation. Look at Liberia and what a success that turned out. Or how about Haiti?
If blacks in America want reparations I believe each person receiving any money should have to pay reparations to the families of the soldiers who served in the Union army. The army that fought to bring about an end to slavery.
you forgot Arizona. You know, for the brothers who want the desert.
You said, "This model of homeownership depends on non-profits to raise money for downpayments from private sellers of real estate that can be used to help an infinite number of families."
That was pretty freakin' ignorant. You'd have to fleece all of the private sellers and a hell of a lot more to provide this dole to "an infinite number" (snicker) of families.
You'd have a better chance of advancing your cause of the day here if you'd stick to the topic instead of using it as a vehicle to encapsulate off-the-wall attacks on people who don't share your views.. Anyone who has looked at two facets of the situation ais one ahead of you. It's apparent that this is just more publicity-seeking.
"The voters won't be fooled."
Spoken like a man who doesn't know any voters.
"This is the payoff for all of the working class people who voted Democrat in the last election? "
They sure were fooled, eh?
"Unfortunately, their numbers are as fake as their Martin Luther King Birthday speeches committing to equality and opportunity for all. "
Who told you the numbers were fake? You should have cited some sources to support your assertions instead of spewing a load of boilerplate hyperbole. Who told you those speeches were fake? I reckon you started with that conclusion and rationalized it by noting that the legislators try to balance the diverse needs of their constituents. What's your problem with diversity?
Hey Al-How's the Taxes going?????
American Dream--home ownership-- was SCREWED by the greedy nanny state for the rich & corporate welfare queens. DEREGULATION of mortgage banking--NO LICENSE IS REQUIRED!--and mortgage SCAMMING of the public are #1 reason for the economic mess in the housing market.
While realtors and even home inspectors have to be LICENSED, Mortgage Bankers--DON'T. Bush-Cheney gave them a FREE RIDE to stealing middle income Americans' money and subsidizing a CORRUPT INDUSTRY with taxpayer money.
Wake up, people. Look around you. STOP listening to CORRUPT CORPORATE MEDIA.
Start using COMMON SENSE. Understand how you are being SCREWED by corrupt Republicans.
"Saving money for a downpayment is hard in the best of times."
Yeah it is Al and guess what, life isn't easy. Just because people can't save for a downpayment doesn't mean someone else should do it for you. We tried the whole not being able to afford the house your living in . . . it isn't working out very well is it?
There is nothing wrong with renting, it doesn't make you any less of a person. The title should be promoting the American Dream meaning you shouldn't need government assitance but rather if you really want to but a house cut out that $45 internet or that $75 cable bill.
.... So English is a second language?
"This model of homeownership depends on non-profits to raise money for downpayments from private sellers of real estate that can be used to help an infinite number of families."
Doesn't sound like government hand outs. When the down payment is available, what is the difference between mortgage payments and rent? Oh yeah.... disadvantaged people can get ahead. Let's not let THAT happen!
If you're opposed to government hand outs.... why is it OK for Bear-Stearns to get 30 Billion from the Feds? Shouldn't we let "market forces" work all of that out?
Why are Republicans holding up funding for wind and solar energy tax credits? Shouldn't we be working toward energy independence?
Republicans could, on a number of issues, use a new ophthalmologist to treat their acute myopia.
"Why are Republicans holding up funding for wind and solar energy tax credits? Shouldn't we be working toward energy independence?"
Because all of our funding is tied up in corn ethanol :)
"If you're opposed to government hand outs.... why is it OK for Bear-Stearns to get 30 Billion from the Feds? Shouldn't we let "market forces" work all of that out?"
No, its not.
The real problems the Rev. needs to work on are these:
Crime & family- strengthening the AA family unit and ending the fatherless family.
Education. The drop out rate among poor blacks is huge, and you knwow that ignorance breeds ignorance. It is rare that the black child who overcomes odds to get a college degree is held up as a model for the community.
Most poverty stricken AA families are single mothers, with no father in sight to support them financially and as part of the family.. This is where your efforts should be focused FIRST- at the root of the problem, not at the results. End poverty and uneducation.
We will pray that Obama will stop the financial and job drain on America. This is the other side of the coin. The exporting of jobs, the tax breaks for corporations and the super rich, the war on Iraq, financed entirely on credit that we will have to pay back, the dumbing down of our school system, the rising cost of an education, the abuses of the credit card companies. All this, you must work with Obama to end.
Your point is good, but this is not the time to be racially divisive- take a tip from Obama- these problems affect all of America.. Begin by improving things in your community with an eye on the bigger picture. Step up, and set an example as a leader to all Americans.
"Step up, and set an example as a leader to all Americans."
- azureblue
Where have you been? That is all, pretty much, Black people have ever done in this nation. When the rest of the nation was living its Donna Reed/Beaver Cleaver fantasies, Black people were engaged in struggles against disenfranchisement, non-representation, racist violence, and other such American sundries. The statement of the civil rights movement is what most of America slept on. Whites did not listen or care then, please don't pretend that you have any such inclinations now.
You write, this is not the time to be racially divisive. Then begin your post by telling the Rev that he needs to fix the problems in the black community first. Do you not see the irony? Also the biggest number of people living in poverty in America are white. Poverty and crime are hardly confined to one race. Why single out just blacks? Your whole post is racist because you begin with the premise that Rev. Sharpton is somehow responsible for everything other blacks do. I've never heard anyone tell a white person that calls attention to problems in America. That they need to solve the problems of the white community first, then they get around to solving America's problems.
"strengthening the AA family unit and ending the fatherless family"
That is impossible, try limiting it at least. Did you know 8 out of every 10 black children do not have a father in the house? That is a scary number.
Do you know what the stats are for Non-AA's who don't have a father in the house? Do the math, the divorce rate is OVER 50%.
This is the case for most "blue-collar working families" not just AAs.
I'm going to have to go to another article, I can't keep reading this racist drivel.
The point is this. AMERICANS are having a harder time right now because of the economy. NAFTA, bail outs. ALL of working class Americans are struggling. Instead of politicians attacking mortgage companies, they are selling out AMERICANS. It would be much more successful to regulate mortgages, but they won't because of Lobbyist and PACs. There's no MONEY in supporting Americans these days. You didn't get the memo?
A home is a place to live your life, lay your head at night and invest within for the future. For many, their home is the only form of investment they can afford. Their home is a safe harbor, guaranteeing the transfer of wealth from generation to generation. Somehow our society has distorted this fact. It"s almost impossible to make it through the day without hearing a commercial for a "house-flipping" program. "Flipping" these homes, many of which are in poor neighborhoods, drives up the price, making a basic house unaffordable for many poor Americans.
Does this concept sound familiar? It"s reminiscent of the practice of Wall Street futures traders who are bidding up the price of oil and we all know what that is doing to the financial stability of our country.
In all of these cases what is lacking is sound leadership. Our government is in place to serve its people and to do so by regulating the very entities that rely on our people for a viable market. Without regulation, these markets will be damaged, hurting both the consumer and the vendor. In a utopian free market, the vendor would protect the market by installing safeguards. As we have seen though in both the petroleum and housing industries, this is but a fairy tale. You know; the one about the Golden Goose.
TRCimino,
I'm compelled to comment, "For many, their home is the only form of investment they can afford."
Homes are actually horrible investments and they always have been. By the time you pay it off you've paid three times what it's worth. In addition you've sunk tons of money maintaining it over the course of the 30 year on average payoff. Throw in repairs. And we haven't even talked about the taxes you pay for living in a home you own versus one you rent.
Home ownership is all about the heart, not the wallet, just like Valentine's or Mother's Day.
Robert59
The big picture is that after 30 years of mortgage payments (which usually stay the same) vs. 30 years of rent(which escalates) the home owner will have the equity that the home renter will not. Again I say that for many, this is the only investment they will ever own.
Thanks TRC. Living in So Cal I've had to listen to everyone tell me how many thousands their houses have increased from week to week. Well the party is over. Look what the traders are doing to commodities now. Windfall profit taxes now.
"Flipping" these homes, many of which are in poor neighborhoods
Then why would the Democrats pass a bill this week that is providing funding for the states to basically flip houses?
These real estate/ get rich quick programs target poor neighborhoods. Most of the properties they suggest buying are in low-income areas.
With regards to the Dem bill that passed this week, this program targets homes that have been foreclosed on and are sitting vacant. Part of this package includes incentives for low-income families.
Urban renewal is great, until we see private investors jacking up the prices, making incredible profits, and pricing the urban citizens right out of the market
How many more "talking points" do you have to post before your shift ends?
Sorry Rev. Sharpton, but you have overplayed your hand yet again. I reside in Philadelphia where we have a serious crime wave including mass murders, cop killings, drug infestation, car jackings, and an out of control drug problem. Your latest stunt to stir up racial tensions in Philadelphia has made me sick. You are supposed to be a man of faith and religion. Where are you when people are gunning down our police officers? Why don't you cite what happened prior to the police beating last Monday -- that the three men were involved in a drug deal gone bad that led to a triple shooting of other African Americans all witnessed by the Philadelphia narcotics division .. ? That they are all in jail charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, and criminal conspiracy with bail set has high as $1million for one of the suspects .. ? You're no where to be found because you are a hypocrite. I am as liberal as it gets, and I have always supported you, but Sir you have driven me away.
Very good post, I have felt the same way about Al for a long time.
please, mr. sharpton,
do barrack, the democrats, and america
a favor, and go into hiding until the election results.
your presence is divisive
and harmful for all involved.
please, be humble, take the hit,
and go away. perhaps, later, there may be a role for you.
but for now, you are fox news gold.
Posted May 9, 2008 | 03:28 PM (EST)