2008 Presidential Reality Check: Poverty Matters as Young People Vote for Change in America

Change in American politics does not just happen of its own volition. Political change, like social change, happens in America when the majority of the people speak out, take action, and ultimately vote for change.

Democracy is at its best when all eligible people participate in the process. In the past, there have been too many who did not register to vote and stood by and watched others determine America's political and economic future. As a consequence of the last eight years of President George W. Bush and the neocons, millions of American families are now sinking deeper into the quicksands of poverty, inadequate health care, deteriorating public school systems, housing foreclosures and other forms of domestic economic misery.

This year, however, presents an unprecedented opportunity and responsibility for millions of new young voters to make the critical difference in the outcome of the 2008 presidential election. We are working to make sure that on November 4, 2008, there will be the largest youth voter turn out in American history.

In Denver this week at the Democratic National Convention and a week later in St. Paul at the Republican National Convention, the candidates for president and vice president of the United States will be formally nominated by the DNC and RNC.

Now that Senator Barack Obama has made the decision to have Senator Joe Biden join the Democratic ticket as the candidate for vice president and Senator John McCain is on the verge of deciding who his running mate will be, this is the pivotal moment and time for millions of young voters across America to weigh-in on the critical issues that Democrats, Republicans and Independents need to address between now and the November election.

The importance of the issues need to be emphasized here. The quality of life of people, families and communities are all at stake. The established media tends to focus disproportionately on the nominees' personal traits and characteristics over and above the life and death issues that impact our communities.

If John McCain can not remember how many houses he owns and he thinks that the American economy is doing fairly well, then he is more than out of touch with the realities that we know exist in our communities.

Homelessness in the United States has grown to a record number during the last eight years. According to the latest statistics from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), on any single night there are nearly 800,000 homeless persons throughout the United States. That's the number that HUD has been able to officially estimate based on 2006-2007 reports. The number today is probably much higher, given the current housing and mortgage crisis. It is probably closer to a million homeless people each day and night that have to roam and beg for food and shelter on the streets of the wealthiest nation in the world.

Nearly half of all homeless persons in the US are women and children. Two-thirds of the homeless are minorities. Homelessness should be one of the key issues of this presidential race, in particular for young voters, that demands a call for change.

The rise in joblessness and unemployment are also factors contributing to the increase in poverty. Thus far in 2008, nearly a half million more workers have joined the ranks of the unemployed. In fact, the US Department of Labor reported that the July 2008 unemployment rate of 5.7% was the highest since 2004. Astonishingly, more than 3.6 million long-tenured workers have been displaced since 2005 from their jobs either because of plant closings, outsourcing and/or changes in the stability of America's industrial and manufacturing base.

For eighteen year-olds and other teenagers who've sought employment this summer, another harsh situation confronted them-the absence of job opportunities. The Labor Department reported over 20% of teenagers are unemployed. Youth employment, job training programs, vocational education, and basic job and career development opportunities are all issues around which young voters are demanding a change.

It appears that one of the reasons why Obama decided to pick Biden as his running mate for vice president is because of Biden's blue collar roots and his longstanding endorsement of organized labor's support for jobs and better wages for American workers. It will be interesting to hear how the Obama-Biden ticket intends to deal with the issues of poverty, homelessness, jobs, education, heath care, environment, the Iraq war and other issues that are important to young voters. Likewise, John McCain's decision on his running mate will also send a signal to young voters of his sensitivity to the issues that young people care about passionately.

In Denver on the first night of the DNC, a special message was sent to the Yoga Festival assembled to put an emphasis on the issues of health care and the global consciousness of youth and people of goodwill all over America and throughout the world for peace, nonviolence, equal justice, and more respect for the environment, humanity, humane treatment of animals, conservation and all justice-making and peace-making work that will make the nation and world a better place for all. Arianna Huffington will give the keynote address to the festival.

Poets, writers and artists that are sincere about using their God-given creativity and genius to promote and encourage progressive change are being more and more outspoken on these issues because they are guided by the inner search of their souls and spirits to find the oneness of God and the oneness of all creation. This is what a yogi refers to as Atman, the God within.

When poets and artists push the societal envelope with courage and clarity, sometimes they are misunderstood. But most creative people will not be like sheep and be misled or intimidated by the desire of those to be politically correct which often means being politically silent in the face of social injustice and mass suffering. Through meditation, art, and poetic expression, artists and poets throughout history have been at the forefront of saying no to abuse, all abuse. They take the lead in saying yes to change. Compassion dissipates fear. This is at the core of why artists shatter the silence. We are witnessing the evolution of the diversity and universality of the consciousness of humanity. The abusive politics of the past must be challenged and transformed.

In this respect, Oprah has also mentioned that there are more than 37 million people, many of whom are young adults, who are yearning for a better way of life and a higher state of consciousness as outlined in Eckhart Tolle's new book that has sold over 10 million copies: A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose. Earlier this year, we sent out an Open Letter to all the US Presidential Candidates. We also highlighted the point about the growing new "consciousness" among more and more people who are not only ready to see positive, constructive change in the world, but also who are willing to work to make that change happen.

The entire world will be impacted by the outcome of the elections here in the United States. Thus, a reality check is in order during the DNC and the RNC. We join with millions of young people who want to see a Nu America, a Nu Earth and Nu World. That means there has to be a Nu Politics and a Nu Economics guided by a Nu Consciousness based on peace, freedom, justice and equality for all and not based on greed, war, destruction, injustice and oppression.

Our call to action is a call to a new consciousness and a new commitment. Between now and November 4, 2008, let us all use our energy, imagination, creativity, prayer and power to make the determinative difference. God bless. Let's make change happen now.

Comments

[Paul Peete - Huffpost Blogger]

Thank you Mr. Simmons,

In the MSM, I often hear the knock on young voters is that they don't turn out on election day. It is the same one used to negate the power of the black vote and based on some of the previous elections analysis there is some truth to the statement. But just like blacks turned out for Bill Clinton in two elections because his message of "the Economy Stupid" resonated with us, Obama has touched a chord in our youth in his "change" mantra and I am confident they will be an important factor to bring this one home in November.

Your activism in getting out the vote in 2004 and 2006 undoubtedly impacted the youth turnout and as this is the most important election since Lincoln's, will be vital now. I have an extensive piece, the first of many to follow in this critical window to election day, that clarifies many of McCain's misuse of his office for personal gain. It is unbelievable how this so "Maverick" has been so crooked for so long with so little exposure.

By November, I plan to have stripped the veneer from his con game and urge all of those who research and write to push the truth to those sites that are, unlike the enlightened readership here, open to reaching the uninformed. It's up to all of us now, I'm old but energetic, and I so respect what you and others in the entertainment industry are doing.

[LeonBNJ]

One serious problem for Young adults is that they are terribly under-represented at both conventions. An article I read noted that the meidan age of delegates in Denver is in the mid-40's, with over 1/4 over 60. Yet, it is young adults 18-25 who are the majority of troops in Iraq and Afganistan. They are facing much higher tutions and crippling education debts. They can't afford decent apartments or homes. They are delaying marrriage as dont' have the money. They are facing a job market that pays too little for 'starter job's in their careers or in general. In some ways they too are impovished and need the attention of government.

[sueno]

Good looks, nice post,
and god bless. Peace

[MourningDude]

I'm worried about poverty. I'm worried about how 50 million seniors are placed into institutionalized poverty by a Social Security system that is sadly insufficient for them.

Isn't it a strange coincidence that the poverty line always hovers just below the Social Security benefits level? Politicians are giving seniors the bare minimum they can without being categorized as impoverished. After a lifetime of work, our seniors deserve better.

Sadly, today's system is unable to sustain current benefits, let alone increase them. Today's youth are saddled with trillions in unpaid liabilities. And once they retire, the trust funds will be bankrupt, and they will receive a slash in their own meager benefits.

BHO says that now is not the time for change. Now is not the time for new ideas. Now is the time to look backwards, and to prop up the failed programs of the past. Change is too hard, he tells us. It's not worth the effort, he says. Instead of dreaming about how our retirement system should be, he accepts our retirement system as it is.

Every young person should reject BHO's phony rhetoric. He isn't fighting for today's youth. If so, he would address the largest problem facing them, the $89 trillion dollar bill left for us to pay instead of funding our own retirements.

[smokepole]

Obama wants you to think he is taking the "rich" millionaires he criticizes Bush and McCain of helping, but by using a slight of hand he redefines "rich" and over $250k. Most people think that over $250k is "the rich," but it really isn"t especially when it household income. Who will pay these higher taxes?
Your family doctor. Rising equipment and malpractice costs, less insurance payments, and students loans eat away a doctor"s income. Now he will get a tax increase. Guess who will pay the difference? You do.
Your local business. Everyone hates Wal-Mart and wants to support their local business. That great but now that business owner has to pay the same tax rate as the CEO of Wal-Mart. Go out of business or raise prices? Who pays in the end? You do.
Did you inherit your parent"s home? Great you pay an inheritance tax. Did you sell that home? Great that just made your household income go over $250k. Pay up and don"t forget the property tax of your parents home as well.
Did you want to retire? Sell you large home or land here and buy a smaller home in FL? Pay up your income went over $250K when you sold the home.

[GunnyJ]

Spoken like a person with means. Put the shoe on the other foot and see if you like the fit......

[elbzee]

No chit, gunny. I live on 1/10th of that. In my mind, $250K is a fortune!

[GunnyJ]

The bottom line is that people have to get out and vote. Let the authorities handle fraud situations-we know the Republicans will be up to there old tricks. Every vote will count in this election more so than at any other time in history. Will the USA be the next great civilization to crumple because of war mongoring and greed? Will the USA be the next great civilization to fall because the rich ignore the poor? Will the USA be the next civilization to fall because its more important to profit off each other than to take care each other? Gas was @ $1.25 a gallon 8 years ago. Today it is @ $4.00. The war in Iraq was supposed to lower prices, but instead it has fattened the pockets of the oil men around the world. Is there something I am missing or is there a real reason for McC to have any serious consideration for President...........

[OrganizersWin]

One--- Considering that election fraud has been widespread and fully documented as being so, even if everyone voted, who is doing the COUNTING? I know this is a minor point, but hey, call me an idealist!

Two--- Considering the fact that most people fall into one of the corporate parties, Dem or Rep, participating in a national election is like deciding which "car salesman" you think is NICE enough to buy this rusted out LEMON of a car!

Three--- Change? Yes, the world will look at us differently depending on who we 'elect' (cough cough) to be president. The problem is, what substantial CHANGE do we get on policy?

What major candidate is for SINGLE PAYER health care, who is AGAINST inflating an already obscene military budget, who will hold the criminals of the Bush administration to account, who will REFUSE to send more troops to kill and die without a formal Constitutional declaration, who will NOT promote 'faith based' programs while ordering unauthorized strikes inside another country (see Pakistan), who will have a spine and stand up AGAINST wire-tapping, torture, rendition, the use of private mercenaries, etc???

So, to vote or not to vote, that is NOT the question, as I see it. I would much rather ask, when will the time come when enough Americans will discard their religious devotion to political party, and start to act like Americans. Otherwise this is just celebrity worship and TV manufactured debate, nothing substantive. No real change!

[SethandRay]

Mr. Simmons,

I think you hit it head on when you said that the mainstream media tends to focus on personal traits of the candidate instead of the life or death issues that this nation is actually facing. Because of this phenomenon, both candidates have been let off the hook in terms of explaining the actions they would take to seriously end homelessness, provide health care to all Americans, and ensure that opportunities to be prosperous are still afforded to each individual in this nation.

People are looking for real solutions because people are hungry for the chance to live better lives. I believe that anything is possible as long as you believe it and work hard to make it happen. But unfair policies from the past make it hard for many to believe that solving community based issues is possible.

As more people of status speak out, I think it awakens those who have fallen deaf to the broken promises of politicians. When you speak out, people begin to think that things are possible again and will take a chance on voting. They will take a chance on participating in community politics. They'll read books that they never thought about reading before. They'll start caring about others when they realize that we're all in this together. For that, I appreciate and applaud your efforts in enlightening all who listen to you when you speak.

God bless you my brother.

- Ray
www.sethandray.com

[indePundit]

yo Rush-
peace, it's yo boy Mark Anthony from Hollis crew
nice to see my homies politically involved... thought i was the only one~
I agree 100% w your analysis and contentions, this should be a slam dunk

I'm in vegas now, I volunteer for the campaign whatever is needed
we could use help w voter registration drives and fund-raiser projects
lets get some artists to come out and host some VIP events at the clubs
I can help set everything up and I guarantee you that we can ROCK THE VOTE

I know we lost contact, but hit me up
last time we chopped it up was in B-more for your first book tour
I can be reached via email @ >>> [e-mail]
my boy dj green lantern is already down to dj any event you come up with

lets get something done...

[MrBlack]

Russell, I love Joe, Justine, and family in Run's House! I digress. Eliza forgot to mention in her ignorant statement that Senator Obama would increase taxes on individuals earning more than $250k annually. I gather from her comments that she will never come close to earning enough to qualify for a tax boost . In fact Eliza comes across as a Republican shill promoting propaganda, and disinformation.

PS: Danny Simmons is a nice artist and cool customer. I saw Danny on BCAT in NYC recently, and he talked about his drug and prison experiences in New York. I now understand why you [Russell], worked so hard to get the Rockefeller drug sentences reduced, you were motivated to help your big brother and others facing decades in the slammer. Good job Russ, and dap to Joe Simmons, there is a quality in his character that I feel in spiritual way.

Peace & Obama wins in '08!!

[swift goat pet for truth]

Good post, but you forgot economics.

The Bush Admin, and my generation, has saddled yours with an incredible amount of debt.

If you could pay the debt off at a rate of a $billion an hour, it would take longer than a year to do it.

And, of course, we are actually adding to YOUR debt at $450 bil a year.

McCain supports this kind of economy.

[GrainOSand]

Thus, the transformational aspect of this election and the big questions facing us all, best summarized as the question who are we? Are we -- the people -- a people -- who take care of the elders in society with the best of care and not the worst or the non-existent care? Do we allow one of our citizens to take up permanent residence on the cold street? Is there empathy in us such that we understand the value within each and we look for versus run away from opportunities to express this belief? Is incarceration our only answer for troubled youth who commit drug crimes? Do we pay our debts and forgive our debtors or do we slay our debtors and pay for it with more debt? Do we believe in supporting our neighbor because we understand that just as the neighbors" house can reflect on the price of our own, what is in the neighbors" house has a weight? Support thy neighbor in thy neighbors" effort to stand. Support is not money either. Some might jokingly save move, but I never want to live in fear, running from my people. To any living in fear, let it go and float free. Life is right now not some imagined time when the fairy godmother comes and makes everything ok. Make now ok, be careful, but be free. America did not grant freedom -- life did! Freedom is the right to be ok and not find that a disagreeable proposition.

[swift goat pet for truth]

Civilized people take care of each other.

[GrainOSand]

Thanks for your treatment, I found nourishment within the message.

[MA4HRC]

"If John McCain can not remember how many houses he owns and he thinks that the American economy is doing fairly well, then he is more than out of touch with the realities that we know exist in our communities".

Maybe he can take a hellicopter ride in search of new homes to replace the ones that he forgot. I can't remember where I've seen that done before?

[HBeachbum]

And Barack thinks there are 57 states. So what?

[torrrep]

Guess what? McCain has no control over those homes. His wife does. And she controls them through a trust. And what you so conveniently forget to mention that several of those homes are being used by family members who are in need. Imagine that. Someone actually taking care of his family members. Unlike Barack Obama who talks about his half brother but doesn't lift one finger to give him a better life. So if you are going to try to play reporter, try reporting all of the facts so you don't sound ignorant when you make a post.

[elizaW]

Russell

You're really rich but for all those young people getting out of college and trying to make a decent living, Obama's economic policy will only make life harder. If Obama gets elected he's goingto tax, tax, tax, every way and anywhere he can. Maybe you can afford it but very few people have your kind of money. So put away all the lovely mottos and the speeches and the words meant to get us to believe that Obama will usher in a new world order because many of us know all he'll usher in is a more dire financial reality.

[GrainOSand]

At what level of income is he going to tax, tax, tax, and by what percentage increase does his plan call for raising the taxes on any group? What is the percentage jump for some in letting taxes go back to previous levels before Bush's wartime cuts? You are spreading lies at worst and false innuendo at best and there is really no more to say once you realize that. Vote as you will and be as you are and find peace in that somehow. If you raise valid issues you are worthy of a hearing. You failed to do that in your comment and reduced your validity. I say this respectfully but firmly, and with a strong feeling of sadness in what is reflected within your comment about the world we live in.

[sleek]

Get real Eliza, and get educated. STOP believing all the RNC crap that they push through the MSM.

[ThePeacemakers]

Eliza
Russell will get his taxes raised. Do you think you understand tax rates better than Russell and his business advisors?

If you make under $250,000 Obama is going to lower your taxes. Over $250,000 yours will get raised.
That's the proposal currently.
It's been said over and over again. Wall Street Journal, NYTimes....

Russell is also making a point that this country has way bigger problems than taxes.
Those young people getting out of college - Obama has plans to help them.
See, the deregulation in the financial / credit markets, widely supported by Republicans have made interest rates skyrocket to levels that used to be a crime.
And the Republicans have cut education to the point where not that many even have hopes of going to college. Parents used to be able to get loans against there homes, but those...
Hopefully, you've kept up with current events and seen where deregulation has left the housing market.

McCain is not going to lower your taxes. And I hope you never get a serious illness and John McCain is President. Your vote could actually put you on your death bed.

Try something daring and browse around BarackObama.com - economy.

[HBeachbum]

Obama is going to let the Bush tax cuts expire. That affects EVERY taxpayer. It IS a tax increase no matter how you look at it.