Claudette Milner's Blog

WWSA Conference - Workshops

Claudette Milner — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:49:55 EDT

WWSA Conference - Oct. 16-17, 2009

Greater Providence Baptist Church | 2000 Milton Road | Charlotte, NC 28215

Friday, October 16, 2009
6:30 - 8:30 p.m. - Mix and Mingle
Come meet and fellowship with WWSA members in a relaxed atmosphere prior to the main event on October 17. This is an opportunity for you to get to know the members, learn more about their individual ministries and about WWSA. This event is open to all at no cost.

Saturday, October 17, 2009
7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. - Conference
Praise & Worship, General Sessions, 11 Workshops, Open Forum Discussion, Testimonies.

Location:
Greater Providence Baptist Church | 2000 Milton Road | Charlotte, NC 28215

Registration Deadline: September 18, 2009
Registration: $25.00 (lunch included); after deadline: $35.00

The first annual WWSA conference is less than three week away. We are excited and busy preparing to welcome you and share what God has laid on our hearts to bless you. So, stop procrastinating and get busy registering at www.wwsa.biz! The registration fee is only $25.00. Take the time to share the attached conference flyer with women you know will be blessed by being a part of what will be an extraordinary event. Finally, I'm sharing with you today the workshop topics that will be offered at the conference.

Loving A Child That Breaks Your Heart

Christian Marriage Is Not For Divas

Mental Abuse

Anger

Insecurity

Expired Dreams and Unrealistic Expectations

Christian Women and Anxiety & Depression

Raising Godly Children In An Ungodly World

All The Single Women: Get Those Stars Out of Your Eyes

Women of Purpose

Faith, Prayer and Praise

Looking forward to seeing you on October 16 & 17. To God be the glory!

The Truth about Health Care Reform is that today you may have great health care and a job and tomorrow you may not have a job or health insurance

Claudette Milner — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 09:47:01 EDT

I have great health insurance. I pay $36.00 twice a month, $100.00 deductible and the plan includes vision. When I went to the eye doctor I got two name brand pair of glasses at no cost to me.

The reality is that if I lost my job I would have no health care and like millions of other individuals I would postpone going to the doctor and then go to the emergency room when I had been sick to long.

During this period my illness had escalated and what began as a simple problem has expanded to a major problem. I don’t have insurance but I am seeking treatment. The burden of my medical bills now becomes the responsibility of the tax payers. The bill that could have been 150 dollars with preventative care now is 20,000 dollars because I am admitted into the hospital. This scenario can happen to 47 million individuals that don’t currently have health insurance. I don’t want to bare the burden of health insurance but by supporting this reform I am protecting my family from the burden of medical bills, my credit being destroyed and losing the battle of my health because I had no preventive care.

The reality is that we are already paying for health care for those that have none. Would you rather pay 150.00 now or 20,000 or more later? The other question is where will you turn when you have no health insurance? Health insurance Reform is about protecting all individuals so that if the unexpected life issue occurs you will be able to be insured regardless of whether you have a pre-existing disease or not.

While protests continue remember it could be you that loses their job. Protect your future by supporting health care reform.

While the Gates Saga provides a teachable moment the dialogue must include classism,sexism,ageism, discrimination against gays, ethnic and religious prejudice in order for this country to begin to confront its own devils.

Claudette Milner — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 18:14:18 EDT

There has been much focus on the Gates saga. I hope that it will be a teachable moment for the country but I am also saddened that it takes a major event to open the dialogue about race in this country and the fact that we have not included classism, sexism, ageism, discrimination against homosexuals, ethnic and religious discrimination.

For twenty five years I have written about the victories and struggles of children. I have tried to expose our innermost prejudices and provide solutions to some issues and open the dialogue on current issues that children face.

“Children of Plains Estates” and “Unheard Voices”: Children of Plains Estates is now being offered for a limited time for $6.99 on the publisher’s website. www.publishamerica.com

There are no simple answers to discrimination but I do believe that this series of books will open the dialogue to discuss our biggest secrets and our own stereotypes and bigotry and hypocrisy.

Claudette Milner is the author of “Children of Plains Estates” and “Unheard Voices”: Children of Plains Estates. Her third book will be titled “Silent Tears”: Children of Plains Estates.

Website: www.claudettemilner.com

To book Ms. Milner to speak at your conference : www.wwsa.biz

Controversial Author Claudette Milner is now being represented by WWSA (Wise Women Speakers Association)

Claudette Milner — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 01:15:55 EDT

Claudette Milner is the author of a five book series entitled Children of Plains Estates. The current books in the series include “Children of Plains Estates”, “Unheard Voices”: Children of Plains Estates and the third book will be entitled “Unshed Tears”: Children of Plains Estates. In December 2008 Ms. Milner’s current release “Unheard Voices”: Children of Plains Estates received honorable mention at the London Book Festival.

Ms. Milner has given interviews on Let’s Talk Honestly with George Cooper, The Maxine Shaw Show, Artist First, and Global Talk Radio and has been featured in the Charlotte Post, Pasco Times, Black Coffee Magazine, and The New York Review. Ms Milner has conducted book signings in several NC libraries, and bookstores and festivals throughout the United States. She recently joined Jerome Imes and Edward Garnes in conducting the James Weldon Johnson Seminars and Workshops in Durham North Carolina for the upward bound program and facilitated an economic education seminar for middle school students for Citi-Bank. Her most recent speaking engagement was entitled a Call to Service delivered to the Village of Louisville, a nonprofit organization for At-Risk children.
Ms. Milner has worked in several capacities as an educator, CRA officer, Trainer, Manager, CSR, and Counselor but her mission is to minister to all God’s people worldwide through her writings and the visions that God has placed in her heart. God's will for her life is to minister to those that do not know God’s unconditional love and compassion and to bring them closer to God by being a follower of Jesus and not just a Christian. Join her in reaching the world with the love of God by ministering to the lost.

Wise Women Speakers Association (WWSA)™ is a faith-based national all-women's speakers bureau. While most bureaus focus on secular speakers (usually with a much higher emphasis on male, secular speakers), we have identified the top faith-based female voices of today and tomorrow. We provide the top motivators, leaders, experts and entertainers to all audiences, for all occasions.

Wise Women Speakers Association (WWSA) was founded primarily to fill two needs. Whether you need a speaker for your event or you are a speaker who needs someone to coordinate your engagements, we can help.

For Speakers
From booking engagements to negotiating contracts to travel arrangements; WWSA can help. WWSA can do as much or as little as you like, depending on your desires.

For Organizations/Clients
Choose from our experienced, talented and gifted list of speakers and entertainers to help make your event a resounding success. WWSA speakers are available for retreats, conferences, keynote speeches, weddings, church services, and many other occasions. Whatever you need, we stand ready to assist.

Our History
Founded in 2007, WWSA is the fruit of a God-given vision of its founder, Carrie Johnson Pegues. It's purpose is to impact lives of individuals for Christ and by extension their families, churches and communities through professional and wise presentations inspired by a love and knowledge of God.

WWSA is a faith-based for-profit ministry. It serves as a Godly channel through which Christian female motivational speakers and artists can share their God-given gifts, talents and abilities in a way that is honoring to God. WWSA is a premier speakers organization through which Christian, civic and community organizations will have access to qualified, professional and wise female speakers and artists who will engage and inspire their audiences on issues of importance to them.

Whatever you need to help your speaking ministry, we stand ready to assist. Don't delay starting on your journey. WWSA is here to help you follow your vision and reach your goals.

To Book Ms. .Milner or for additional information VISIT – WWSA.biz

Hypocrisy : How Can I Fight to Save the Life of the Unborn and Take Another Life?

Claudette Milner — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:28:44 EDT

How can a person that wants to save lives of the unborn take the life of another? Today my heart is filled with sorrow as I read about the killing of lives at the Holocaust Museum and an abortion doctor. All lives are precious and as Christians we must fast and pray for renewal of our hearts and minds. As followers of Jesus we cannot take a life for a life. We are to reach out to others with compassion and prayer. How can we bring people to Christ when there is no compassion in our heart? There is no justification for taking the life of another. There is no victory in showing the world that we speak one word and live another.

I ask all people to pray for this country. Pray that instead of hatred and prejudice that Christians will find their way back to being followers of Jesus and that they will show compassion and love so that the world will know that Jesus lives.

Claudette Milner is the author of

"Children of Plains Estates"

"Unheard Voices": Children of Plains Estates

www.claudettemilner.com

As I read about the protest at Notre Dame I wonder if the protesters saved one child’s life through their protest.

Claudette Milner — Sun, 17 May 2009 09:43:08 EDT

When I was young I spent a lot of time protesting against civil rights issues. As I matured I began to redirect my energy toward supporting victims of domestic violence and rape, by walking and raising money for diabetic research and March of dimes. I am a woman of faith. I believe that life starts at conception. I do not believe in abortion for myself. I felt so strongly that I had a tubal ligation after having twins at the age of 25. I did not want more children and birth control did not work for me and I did not want to be confronted with the decision to bring children into the world that I could not afford or did not want. The most important thing was that I made the decision. No one made it for me.

When a woman becomes pregnant it is a major event and I don’t believe that the decision women make is made without much thought and deliberation and I don’t think that the pain is ever lifted from their heart. It follows them throughout their lives. Unfortunately there are many teenage mothers. Most of these children are trying to feel an empty hole in them, seeking love in all the wrong places.

I believe that protest open dialogue and I hope President Obama is willing to sit down and discuss this issue with individuals that do not support abortion and supporters of a women’s right to choose. However I also wonder how much time these individuals have spent time talking to teenagers that have become pregnant. I wonder how many visit schools and open forums for discussions. I wonder how many churches in the area reach out and accept these individuals in their church, but most importantly how many through their actions show unwed mothers the forgiveness and love of God because I am certain if the church reaches out to teenagers, mentors them, supports them, leads them to Christ so that they will see the amazing love of God that we will reduce teenage pregnancy, that we will reach and touch lives and we will decrease the abortion rate in this country.

My thoughts: Exercise your right to protest but spend time understanding the issue because it is not black and white. We would all like to dig our heads in the dirt and just say you must choose life but there must be early intervention, support systems, programs set up by the church and other groups. Groups that make millions of dollars on abortion offer more support to pregnant women than those of us that believe in the preservation of life. The church cannot ignore the issue. We cannot afford to sit and judge instead of reaching out. When we stand up in love and not judgment and each of us begins to support and mentor our young then we will begin to decrease the rate of abortion in this country and around the world.

Claudette Milner is the author of “Children of Plains Estates” and “Unheard Voices”: Children of Plains Estates

www.claudettemilner.com

For decades compensation packages have rewarded failure, now the top banks want to continue on the same path that caused the collapse of Wall Street. My question to the proponents of this failed strategy what are we teaching our children about obtaining t

Claudette Milner — Wed, 13 May 2009 18:44:29 EDT

As I have listened to the government side which wants to limit CEO compensation and reward CEO’s based on merit and not reputation I consider my own career. I have never been a CEO, I have never had the option to get fired and be rewarded millions and sometimes billions of dollars although after I left the company owed the government billions of dollars because I mismanaged the company causing thousands of employees to be out of work, many losing their homes and without health insurance struggling to maintain a living and feed their families. Most Americans are in my boat because there are a limited number of CEO’s and they seem to migrate from one position to another. Some fail at one company then are paid millions to fail again.

The banks and Wall Street argue that if compensation is limited then the top talent will go to other companies due to a global market. I say let them leave but take the million dollar compensation packages and pay back Americans for the money that has been used to bail out the mess they left behind. Some CEO’s seemed shrewder than the rest. They came into a mess and demanded millions of compensation for taking the job. Some only lasted a couple of months and yet they took home a tidy sum. I don’t blame them because they were only taking care of business however I do blame W all Street for conducting business as usual with no thought to the huge liability they would be placing on the taxpayers.

Do I expect corporate American to feel guilty? No, I am not naïve. Nor do I expect them to cut off large compensation packages. What I do expect is the government to impose strict regulations on CEO compensation and for Wall Street to pay off every dime they owe to the taxpayers before they use our money to finance the old boy network.

.The ideal solution would be for Wall Street to recognize that there are talented men and women that have run smaller companies and have been successful. They need to tap into this talent and award these individuals with a competitive salary and bonuses based on merit and success. It would show our children that hard work is the road to success and when a company makes money everyone should be successful not just a few but it is morally wrong when a CEO walks away with millions after failing the company, the stockholders, the employees and the public that only the employees lose everything.

Claudette Milner is the author of:

“Children of Plains Estates” and “Unheard Voices”: Children of Plains Estates

www.claudettemilner.com

Republican Victory Shatters the American Dream for Millions of Homeowners

Claudette Milner — Sun, 03 May 2009 14:40:32 EDT

Senator Mitch McConnell is all smiles as the Republicans defeat a bill which would have given homeowners more flexibility in renegotiating mortgages. He said "We did Good". The victory shattered the dreams of millions of homeowners facing bankruptcy. Despite the recent loss in the House and the Senate the republicans still don't have a clue about the needs of main street Americans. It will take a major defeat in 2010 for them to get a clue but will it be to late for millions of Americans?

McConnell's quote in the Sunday Courier Journal reminds us that although Americans are losing their homes,jobs and healthcare the Republican party has one concern and that is protecting Wall Street. Working Americans had only this bill to try and keep their home once they filed bankruptcy. Now they are not only struggling to feed their families on reduced incomes the republicans have united to protect the interest of banks and Wall Street. While they are touting their victory the hopes and dreams of millions of Americans are being shattered. Republicans do not have a clue about the needs of main street and a tour of the country will not give them a new perspective. Despite the massive donations from Wall Street it will be main street Americans that will flock to the polls against the party of no health insurance for the poor, no protection of women's rights, no assistance for the unemployed, no breaks for struggling homeowners and no empathy for the plight that Americans are facing.

The republicans are not blameless for the defeat of the bill. 12 Democrats voted against the needs of the American people to protect their campaign contributions from the banks.

Note to the Republicans. We as Americans are a resilient group and our memory is not short term. We will bookmark this stab in the back by Republicans and their desire to crush the American dream to protect the republican brand, be the party of no new ideas, protect entry into the party by excluding those of different thoughts and vote to derail the properity of all Americans in order to secure campaign contributions from the extreme right. The republicans are on a self destructive path but Americans will not join them. I predict that this victory they are smiling about will be one of the votes that crushes them in 2010.

Claudette Milner is the author of "Unheard Voices" Children of Plains Estates and Children of Plains Estates.

www.claudettemilner.com

Author Claudette Milner's Address to the Village of Louisville

Claudette Milner — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 13:26:49 EDT

On April 14th I had the honor to speak at a Gala held by the Village of Louisville founded by Mozzie Dewalt held at the Holiday Inn in Louisville, Kentucky.

The Village of Louisville is a community based organizations whose goal is to mentor teens not only through athletics but through educational tutoring and SAT and ACT prep. Last nights benefit included speakers from Health and Education as well as United Way and the Assistant School Superintendent. Most importantly it featured students that had excelled in the program and had gone on to complete a college education.

As I walked to the podium to deliver my address I was humbled to be asked to speak. Below is my address to this community group.

On Inauguration day President Obama challenged Americans to a call to service. That call to service included each of us in this room regardless of race, gender, religion, economic status or educational level. He challenged each individual to contribute to their community, to be a mentor, to visit the elderly, and to make a difference in someone’s life. This is the mission of the Village of Louisville, to impact the lives of young adults and to make positive changes in their lives. The mission is admirable but it can only be accomplished through a commitment from its founder Mr. Dewalt, the board members and Volunteers and the students and parents, and the community that participate in the program.

I have taught my children and grand children that each person has a commitment first to God to fulfill his destiny for their lives, to themselves to educate themselves in order to be successful, to their family as a support system and a role model, to their community to unite and to give back, to their race to know their history and help create their destiny. We all wish that we could wake up and have the skills of Michael Jordan or be able to swim like Michael Phelps or invent great things like Alexander Graham Bell but the reality is that all of these men worked diligently educating themselves and developing their crafts. Let me ask you a question. If I gave you a swim suit and sent you to the pool and the pool had no water in it could you swim to the other side?

If I picked two teams and you took to the court but you didn’t have a basketball could you play?

Would you think of going to the basketball court without someone having a ball?

Would you go to a swimming pool without water?

Then why would you go to school unprepared for success. Why would you just not show up to the game.

When a basketball team fails to show up for the game they have to forfeit. The players that don’t show up let the team down and their peers. They set the team up for failure.

When you don’t show up for school you set yourself up for failure. You defeat yourself. The more you miss the less prepared you are until finally you give up on your dreams your goals and yourself.

The average graduation rate in the country is 51%. That means that a minimum of 49% of your peers will not graduate your senior year. It means that 49% of your peers will not be prepared for the 21st century. It means that a minimum of 49% of your peers will be working minimum wage jobs, homeless, undereducated, in prison, or living in a cycle of dependency on welfare.

It used to be that the undereducated of our society could work in manual labor, work in a factory, do blue collar jobs and make a decent living but those jobs are gone. One needs a high school diploma to be a janitor during a recession.

My question to you is what are your dreams? How are you going to accomplish your goals? Are you preparing yourself to meet the challenges of the 21st century or you looking for a short cut to success?

There are no shortcuts. Success takes hard work. Many times it takes working two or three jobs. It means cultivating your skills, It means turning off the television,, limiting the video games, going to the library, separating yourself from the crowd. It means standing alone.

If I believed in statistics I would not spend time traveling across the United States speaking to youth. I believe that our youth have replaced the priority of education with reality television and gang banging. Our parents have given up our children to the streets. Our community and churches would rather praise God every Sunday and ignore the needs of our children Monday – Saturday.

First we as adults must begin to be role models for our children. We must stress education in our home and create an environment for learning. There is no excuse for not attending meetings at school or not checking homework or not making education a priority and when parents are undereducated there must be community organizations that will step in the gap with tutoring and mentorship programs for our youth. Our teachers must step up to the plate and expect excellence from our students instead of mediocrity, our principles and the school board must fire teachers that no longer have an enthusiasm for learning, our principles must create an environment of excitement for learning off the sports fields.

The school board must reorganize its systems and be innovative in teaching our children.

Even if we accomplish these goals the bottom line is that each of you must make a commitment to success by graduating from high school and continuing your education rather it be a junior college or technical college or a four year college. Then you must heed your call to service back in your community through volunteerism, teaching, mentoring, assisting the elderly, making an impact on someone’s life, then you must build your own family stressing educational values and being a strong role model for your children. We all have a destiny within ourselves. God has given all of us gifts and talents. Don’t get it twisted. God did not give Michael Jordan a gift to be a millionaire. If you remember he was not a great player until later in his high school years. He had to work hard to be a super star. God blessed the works of his hands to give himself glory. He blessed him so that he could be a role model, so that he could set up a foundation that would mentor other children. He proved that with hard work each of us can be great. That is our mission to glorify God in our deeds. My mission is to minister to youth. What is your mission? I challenge you to a call to be a success in fulfilling God’s destiny for your life. I believe in each of you.

To contact Ms. Milner: www.claudettemilner.com

Author Claudette Milner will sign copies of her latest release “Unheard Voices”: Children of Plains Estates on April 18th at 1:00 PM at the Corner Bookstore and More located in China Grove, NC.

Claudette Milner — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 19:20:32 EDT

Author Claudette Milner will sign her latest book “Unheard Voices”: Children of Plains Estates at the Corner Bookstore and More on April 18th from 1:00 – 4:00 pm. The bookstore is located at 101 N Main Street in China, Grove NC. Each time a book is purchased you may enter a raffle for Unheard Voices Shirts, Hats, and a free signed book.

Ms. Milner is the author of the “Children of Plains Estates series which includes “Children of Plains Estates” and “Unheard Voices”: Children of Plains Estates. She received honorable mention in the teenage category at the London Book Festival held in December 2008. She grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and has lived in Charlotte, NC for the past 15 years. Ms. Milner has recently relocated back to Louisville. She will join with Jarold Imes of Our Teen Voices in conducting the James Walden Jr. Workshops and Seminars at High Schools in Rocky Mountain NC and Durham NC schools.

The sequel "Unheard Voices": Children of Plains Estates can only be described as provocative, thought provoking, and timely. Book two will examine storylines in which no American author has dared to write about in one book for young adult readers. Milner will explore the after effects of pedophilia in the Catholic Church with a congruent storyline of a young boy molested by his father through the eyes of Alan Bates and Cuban born Alejandro Rodriquez. One survivor will go through a journey of faith while the other will seek justice in his own way. The reader will be challenged to confront his own stereotypes and prejudice against Mexican Americans. Economic lines will be drawn in this close community when a strike pits management against laborers, neighbors against neighbors. The role of the church and its own hypocrisy will be examined. The role of the Jehovah Witness during the Holocaust will be openly discussed as a Jew and a Jehovah Witness both tell their stories of survival.
In her latest interview Ms Milner made this statement. My mission is global. We live in a diverse society. There are those that feel as an African American I should limit my writing to African American characters. Our country is divided among race, class, religion, and gender. I believe that the story of every child should be told. My prayer is that through my series of books the dialogue will be opened and we as a country will begin to heal.

Ms. Milner can be contacted through her website at www.claudettemilner.com.

It’s Time to Eliminate the Earmarks from the House Bill. The country demands accountability and fiscal responsibility. It is a promise that President Obama must keep.

Claudette Milner — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 22:22:13 EST

I am a major supporter of health care and education reform, reeling in Medicare cost and stimulating job creation. What I am against is earmarks in the latest bill approved in the house.

As a conservative Democrat I will do everything in my power to support the President in helping get this country back on track. I am now calling for national outcry against any earmarks in any new legislation. We are tired of politics as usual. Every American has been called on to act responsibly and make personal sacrifices. It must also include all elected officials. Our eyes are watching every dime that is allocated and no matter if you are Democrat or Republican if our money is wasted on earmarks we will act swiftly in 2010.

I am asking Senate Democrats to clean up this bill before it goes to President Obama. The time to act is now but if you fail then this bill must be vetoed if our top priority is rebuilding this country.

Louisville, Kentucky author Claudette Milner receives honorable mention at the London Book Festival for her latest release “Unheard Voices”: Children of Plains Estates.

Claudette Milner — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 18:51:50 EST

The London Book Festival Awards were held on December 10, 2008. Top Honors were presented to “The Gonzo Way: A Celebration of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson” written by his wife, Anita Thompson, The winner in the teenage category was “Lines of Velocity”: Words That Move from Write Girl. Louisville, Kentucky author Claudette Milner received honorable mention for her book “Unheard Voices”: Children of Plains Estates.

Claudette Milner is a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School. She attended Purdue and Columbia University. Ms Milner is a former educator for Watterson College and CRA officer for Liberty National Bank. She relocated to Charlotte NC in 1994 where she has resided while completing the first two books of the “Children of Plains Estates” series. Ms. Milner has recently relocated to Louisville while she completes the third book of the five book series.

Ms. Milner has been featured in the New York Review, Black Coffee Magazine, Charlotte Post, and Florida Tribune and has been interviewed on the Maxine Thompson Show, Global Radio, and Let’s Talk Honestly with George Cooper, and Artist First Radio. She has conducted book signings at several Charlotte, NC public libraries and book festivals.

Ms. Milner will join Jarold Imes of Our Teen Voices and other authors for the The James Weldon Johnson Literary Workshop & Symposium‏in conducting two workshops at local schools in the Raleigh-Durham area on 04/17/2009. For more information Ms Milner may be contacted through her website www.claudettemilner.com

When the Republican Party united to vote No to the Stimulus package they voted NO to helping the American people rebuild this great Country for all Americans instead of the top 1%.

Claudette Milner — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 19:46:55 EST

Republicans have clogged up the airways trying to justify to the country why they voted against the stimulus bill. They have wined on every morning and evening talk show that they were not included, that nobody stroked their ego, that they didn’t get to the plan and that it was needless spending. The ironic thing is that they expected the American people to believe that they did what was best for the country.

The Republican Party expects Wall Street and a bank to get it, when they don’t have a clue, other than tax cuts how to tackle the economic problems that this country faces.

Millions of Americans are unemployed or in jeopardy of losing their jobs.

Republican answer: tax cuts.

Millions of the unemployed have no health care: Republican answer: Health insurance is a privilege only for those that are working and can afford it.

Our children are undereducated:

Republican Answer: Let’s give 2% of our children vouchers to go to better schools and the rest will just have to educate them.

The schools need new construction:

Republican answer: As long as the school is still standing a child should be able to learn. We only want to create jobs for the educated and the wealthy not laborers and blue collar workers.

We need better teachers.

Republicans- This is wasteful spending. Quality education is not a priority.

Money for Education Grants: Wasted spending. Only the rich should have the opportunity to go to school.

Money to extend unemployment insurance and food stamps: Let Americans that have no jobs starve and lose their homes. There is no place in the bill to help the homeless and unemployed.

Republicans want tax cuts only and their refusal to support the bill was strictly for political gain.

Americans are hurting and struggling to meet their basic needs. We don’t care about your political strategy to reclaim the majority. The only thing we care about is working together to rebuild this country and if you refuse to ride the train with us in our struggle in 2010 you will be riding the train alone.

Controversial Author Claudette Milner reveals her thoughts on What Must Be Included in the Stimulus Bill

Claudette Milner — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 22:37:22 EST

While talking with fellow Democrats and Republicans regarding the stimulus package some Democrats were disappointed in my views and thoughts regarding the stimulus package. I am one of many conservative Democrats that were not happy with the original stimulus bill and I counted on the Republicans to help fine tune the bill so that it would include relief for homeowners and corporate tax cuts.

I am also counting on the Democrats to make sure that there are middle class tax cuts, investments in infrastructure, education, and health care while also providing relief to the states so they can stop massive cut backs that are affecting the safety and protection of our states and the livelihood of its citizens.

The most important element of the stimulus package is the creation of jobs, and the re-education of workers that jobs are being eliminated. We have to invest in education so that our children are prepared for the jobs created for the 21st century. We must distribute funds to the state to help with unemployment insurance, food stamps and healthcare because high unemployment combined with lack of housing and food contributes not only to depression and other emotional disorders but the crime rates rise, the drop out rate increases and the number of homeless in America increases while the division between the haves and haves not increases.

We as a community must come together. Americans have no tolerance for the partisan politics on capital hill. All Americans are hurting, not just the corporations but main street.

The stimulus package must stimulate growth across all economic lines. The Republicans have forgotten we are only as strong as our weakest link.

It is time for all elected officials to stand up and do what is right for all Americans and unless they do it is time to retire them to pasture and rebuild America with elected officials that believe that all Americans are created equal and everyone should be given an equal opportunity.

Pardon me for my thoughts but I believe in an America that can only survive if there is an equal opportunity for all it’s citizens.

Claudette Milner is the author of:

"Unheard Voices: Children of Plains Estates

"Children of Plains Estates"

www.claudettemilner.com

MY Pledge to the Call to Service

Claudette Milner — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:17:23 EST

I believe that as Americans and children of God that we have a commitment to God first, our family, our community and to our race. I have tried to instill in my children a call to service since they were young by participating with them on community service projects and kid’s voting. My call to service began when I joined VISTA in 1981.My assignment was in Topeka, Kansas working with the Battered Women’s Shelter and Legal Aid. My initial training was spent conducting intake with the clients and learning about the cycle of abuse. During my second quarter I traveled throughout NE Kansas speaking to victims of domestic abuse, speaking at schools, and criminal justice officials, sheriffs, judges, and policemen and being on a radio station answering call- in questions regarding domestic violence. My next quarter was spent as a court advocate for victims of domestic violence. My work with these remarkable men and women formulated my philosophy on my commitment to a call to service.During the years I have started tutorial programs in my church, volunteered with community neighborhood groups and tutored reading and math and yet there is still so much work to do in order to reach our children. We must begin by instilling pride in our children and a thirst for learning. We must spend time with our children reading and going to library programs. We have got to turn off the television to reality TV that serves only to portray an unrealistic view of real life. While 2% of the shows may be family based 97% are denigrating to women and men. They have no positive impact on our community. One would argue that they are simply entertainment. My question would be is there any responsibility to provide quality television for children with the exception of PBS kids, Nickelodeon, and Nick Jr. If the answer is a resounding no then we as parents and grandparents must choose to turn off the television and provide our children with books and computers to open their minds to new adventures and technology that will prepare them for the 21st century.We as parents, educators, churches, and community groups are failing our children. They are unprepared to meet the challenges of the new millennium. They are unprepared to get a job in a new technological system. Our graduation rates are at best 50%. Several systems graduation rates are as low as 25%. Government can provide structural repair, better teachers and a learning environment but it is up to each of us to begin in our home to insure that our children know the importance of education and service. It does not matter what economic level you are or what race; there is no excuse for complicity. Our children are suffering and it is time for this country to heed this president’s call to service.Claudette Milner is the author of “Children of Plains Estates”, and “Unheard Voices”: Children of Plains EstatesWebsite: www.claudettemilner.com

In tune with Chicago politics Roland Burris is willing to join the three ring circus in order to secure the Senate seat left open by President-Elect Barack Obama.

Claudette Milner — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 19:51:51 EST

When I heard the initial news I wondered about the sanity of Roland Burris. Why would a man with the resume of Burris align himself with Blagojevich? It is obvious to any thinking person that anyone appointed by Blagojevich would be tainted. The candidate will never be successful in the coming election no matter how effective their term might be, so the question is what game is being played on the citizens of Illinois by both parties.It is clear that Burris wants the position but at what cost? Since there is no clear evidence to support my gut feelings every thought I write is mere speculation. However what I am certain of is that it is their intention to shove Burris down our throats by playing the race card. Everyone is sick and tired of the entire incident. The press has nothing better to do than discuss it everyday instead of reporting on the economy. This embarrassment continues to be the focus of the news hour. As a country we have loss 2 million jobs this year. Unemployment may reach double digits. Americans are losing their homes. Although gas prices are down the price of food continues to increase. Individuals are losing their health insurance while others can’t afford the basic health care. Our education system is failing.State of Illinois indict Blagojevich and let the courts decide his fate. Begin the impeachment process in Illinois after the indictment, appoint the lieutenant governor as acting Governor. Have a run-off for the seat and let’s move on and begin to resolve the issues that the country faces. The most important thing is that the process should not be decided on the basis of race. This is not a race issue but an issue of corruption. The fact that Burris is complicit in playing out this charade so that Blagojevich can gain support in the African American constituency leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.

Message to both Burris and Blagojevich and their supporters, we will not be hoodwinked by race, we will not help Blagojevich win his war. We will not be used. If Burris is the right candidate then let him run on his record and let the voters decide but we will not support his appointment simply because he played the race card.

Claudette Milner is the author of:

"Children of Plains Estates"

"Unheard Voices": Children of Plains Estates

www.claudettemilner.com

New Website: www.claudettemilner.com

Claudette Milner — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 04:01:25 EST

Please visit my new website and read my blog entries. Books can be purchased also.

Controversial Author Claudette Milner : Her thoughts regarding the future of the US and the Economic Crisis we Face,

Claudette Milner — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 18:33:26 EST

Lately I have had time to reflect on the 21 month election and the toll that it has taken on the American people. During the last months of the campaign I talked with many individuals that just wanted it to be over. I am one of those individuals. When the campaign became divisive and offensive I stepped back and prayed that the hatred being spilled would not trickle down throughout America. The conversation changed from the issues to name calling rethoric that had no place in a country where most Americans are worried about a collapsed economy.

I listened to President- elect Obama speak on Election night. The most important parts of his speech for me was that he would be everyone's president and that implementing solutions will not happen over night. It was a new leader advising America that we have a tough road ahead and sacrifices will have to be made but we as a country can rebuild our economy. We can protect our homeland and we will rebuild this country's greatness. Why was this so important to me? America has been a refuge for many immigrants. We are not only a world power but a leader in the world. We are a humanitarien country. We are still helping other countries and there are some things we can not let go unintended i.e. helping to cure AIDS domestically and around the world, assisting in the atrocities in Darfur and Sudan, assisting with global hunger. Right now we must assist our own. We must target the middle class and invest in our communities and infrastructure. We must sustain jobs and develop new jobs and no matter what the deficit we must invest in healthcare and education for our children.

There is no excuse for our children not being insured nor is there any excuse for the average highschool to have a 50% dropout rate except for apathy in the Senate and the Congress. We are failing our children and the buck must start with Washington.

We must begain by putting the money into teachers and schools. We must train unemployed parents to work on fixing the schools. It would give them a sense of accomplishment and build self esteem among the children. We must create neighborhood centers where the priority is education. The centers must have childhood education, parenting and tutoring. The program must have mentors from the community that will work with our youth. Parents must step up to the plate and be responsible for their child's education. A parent may not be educated enough to tutor their child but they can be responsible enough to get them to a tutoring session. We must again decide that it takes a village to raise a child and the village must be diverse in all areas. It must be multicultural, it must have mentors from all segments of life and all financial levels. It must be a clone of our environment and culture. Christians cannot serve only Christians. It is time for all of us to join President-Elect Obama in making this country great.

The question of bailing out the Automotive big three seems like a no-brainer to me. The funds must come from the 700 billion dollar bailout. It simply goes back to the middle class tax breaks. I don't know anyone that works at AIG but I have many family members that live in Detroit and their livlihood and their children's future education depend on the recovery of this industry. We cannot see millions of workers out of a job because we fail to act. This is not about being able to get a loan. It is an issue of survival for working families. Do I mean just give them the money without stipulations? If you read my blogs you know I am a conservtive democrat. There must be oversight and guidelines. There must be regulation and negotiation. Workers will be called on to make sacrifices. CEO's should be fired without compensation packages neting in the millions. There should be no annual bonus this year across the board. Downsizing will have to happen. They must build energy efficent cars. The big models that are no longer must be discontinued or sold to more profitable companies. Wages may have to be decreased. Ouch it hurts but these plants must stay open and everyone must make sacrifices if they are going to survive.

Will Americans get a stimulus check? My answer is that I would rather invest the money into education and healthcare.

The republicans must believe that only together can we face the turbulent times ahead. The message of hate and division will not heal the wounds of the past. It will only make us doubt the integrity of our fellow Americans to be the patriotic and exceptional individuals that they are as Americans.

We cannot rebuild as a divided nation. When Senator McCain made his speech on election night he was the Senator McCain that I have supported for 32 plus years. He was a man that understood that America can only be strong if we reject hate and work together to rebuild this country.

I have faith in not the country but in the individuals that make up this great country. I am ready to join my fellow Americans in making this country great. I will contribute in my own way by continuing to write about the issues that face our children' teaching a class for young people that will encourage them to paint and write their own books, and tutoring neighborhood children. Each one of us has a talent and it may just start with our own children but as we perfect the gifts that God has blessed us with, we will each use our talents and our skills to be of service to this great country. Join me.

Claudette Milner is the author of "Children of Plains Estates" and "Unheard Voices" Children of Plains Estates.

Email: cmilner_@hotmail.com

Ms. Milner is currently selling her books for $12.50. for more information send email.

The problem with the educational system in America is three fold . The standards are to low, parents need to take more personal responsibility for their child's education and the right of every child to attend Early Childhood Education.

Claudette Milner — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:00:14 EDT

My granddaughter is currently in a new school. She is five years old and in Kindergarden. She was tested and we received her test scores back yesterday. The criteria level for students was level 10 in September, the goal for December was level 25. Alexandria was on a level 40. She ranked in the 97% in phonics and 99% in numbers. Although I am very proud of her the fact that she has exceeded the bench marks it concerns me. Alexandria is smart but she is an average child. She began reading at four years old and is expected to read 4 books a night. She has homework once a week and a daily reading log. The expectations is that she read at least 3 books a week.

The main question is why Alexandria and many other children are ahead of the bench marks. The first answer was Early Childhood Education. She started at 3 years old. The second reason was that she was not allowed to play more than an hour in the evening. There is family reading time and math skills. She and her brother attend various summer public library reading classes and Saturday science inventor programs. She is computer literate and spends quality time on PBS.org. We go to the dollar store and buy activity books in phonics, math and reading and complete them with her. While she is getting her hair done we play math games with the barretts. She watches Little Einsteins to learn about music and composers. We look at paintings in the library. I list these things because it is not about money it is about spending quality time with her and her brother. One exercise we use to discuss measurements is cooking brownies together and reading the recipes.

Education must be a priority in order for our children to be able to compete on a Global level. Senator Obama wants to give $4,000 for tuition for students that serve. I am in favor of this plan because after college I served in VISTA and it changed my priorities. The most important change is the right to Early Childhood Education for all children. I remember my daughter being told that if she made $100.00 dollars more Alex wouldn't qualify. The question is shouldn't every child be able to attend school early no matter what the income is? Many working parents cannot afford health insurance so their children do not get preventive health care. Many children are not eligible for Early Childhood Education because parents earn to much money. Our children are suffering on two levels, no healthcare and unreadiness for school. The money we are spending in tax cuts for the wealthy and in Iraq must be used for jobs, the economy, education and healthcare. It must be a priority.

The answer is affordable healthcare for all Americans and Early Childhood Education for all our children combined with parent responsibility for our child's education.

Join Me in Supporting Senator Obama and Joe Biden.

Claudette Milner is the author of "Children of Plains Estates" "Unheard Voices":Children of Plains Estates

Josephine Six Pact Debate Analysis The Debate Left Me Afraid for a country that would have Governor Palin as Vice-President. Perception over Substance.

Claudette Milner — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 22:08:47 EDT

I took mental notes as I watched the debate. As a woman I was looking for substance and facts from this debate. I was turned off by the winking, condescending attitude, and the shout outs. The fact that Governor Palin only answered questions that she had been prepped for was a bit scary. The fact that she can only regurgitate facts commonly called talking points that she had been coached through and yet could not answer new questions reminded me of a college student that crammed for a test, knows the information for the day and is unprepared when pressed for follow-up or reads only the cliff notes from a complicated novel and yet cannot join the conversation.

Yes, on the surface she was cutesy and memorized the facts but when listening closer she loses her way or refused to answer questions that were difficult for her but not Senator Biden.

My final thoughts were a renewed comfort in my choice of the Obama-Biden ticket. Senator Biden was outstanding. I am proud of this ticket. I believe that the most significant victory last night was that Senator Obama can lead us out of this mess and that Senator Biden will be right beside him giving his opinion and his advice. Senator Obama will lead this country with calm and steady leadership and I have no doubt that Senator Biden has the character, knowledge and experience to take over at a minute's notice.

However I believe that those voting for the McCain- Palin are still not sleeping tonight even after the debate. Governor Palin proved that she is not sure of Senator McCain’s policy or his platform. She practically accused President Bush of being a bumbling idiot and yet Senator McCain has voted in agreement with President Bush over 90% of the time. He wants to continue the same economic policies and tax breaks that got us into this economic crisis. He is a deregulator and one vote out of 26 does not change his voting record. Governor Palin was wrong on the McCain position on the bankruptcy bill. How can you reform Washington if you are not aware of the president’s position.Govenor Palin may one day be a reformer in Washington but not at the countries expense. We are in an economic mess and we can’t trust the economy to a presidential candidate that admits the economy is his weakest area of expertise and a vice-presidential candidate that only chooses to answer the questions that she can answer. The telling point when the McCain camp didn’t prep her with an economic plan. Maybe it was because he doesn’t have one. Maybe she squirted the health care issue because she couldn’t defend McCain’s tax on healthcare benefits and $5,000 tax cut while pretending to understand kitchen table issues. On the surface this is a close race but when the country is facing an economic crisis can you responsibly vote for a McCain Palin ticket when she obviously is not ready to lead. Before one pulls a lever stop and think then vote Obama –Biden.

Claudette Milner is the author of "Children of Plains Estates" and "Unheard Voices":

Children of Plains Estates

What we need to hear from Senator Obama during the Second Debate. This next debate is about the livelihood of all Americans and neither candidate can afford to take it lightly.

Claudette Milner — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 14:51:13 EDT

I am in Kentucky at present so I listened to the debates with my family while drinking coke and eating popcorn. There were many times when I was shouting at the TV wanting Senator Obama to take Senator McCain to task on the economy.Now that we are switching over to the economy what listeners must here is a solution for America after the bailout. Senator Obama must speak to the masses of young people voting, single parents, and the working class voters in order to bring his message home to America. Senator Obama worked his way through college with student loans. He must speak directly to the millions of youth that are now facing the high cost of student loans that they will pay 30 years into adulthood. He must speak to individuals like my daughter that have passed the entrance exams for graduate school and has the willingness to go but can not attend without a thousands more dollars in loans. She is an individual that has worked two jobs since graduating from college, spent a semester studying in Finland but doesn’t have the thousands of dollars needed to continue her education. Senator Obama must speak to the millions of youth that are growing up without a father and their mothers are on welfare because it is his personal story.He has to speak to working parents that have children in schools where the education of our children is not the priority. His message of equality and accountability in our school system is the only way that our children will be prepared to compete in a global market.Unemployment once again increased this month. Jobs are still being shipped overseas and Americans are losing their jobs every day. We are in a financial crisis. Today I had to call my daughter and tell her that her bank was in danger. We are in perilous times and the next debate has to clearly show the differences between a candidate that understands the issues that we face as Americans and that because of his story he more than McCain can solve these issues. Senator Obama’s mother died fighting with healthcare providers. Millions of Americans have no insurance. 9.5 million children have no health insurance. It is ironic that we can afford 700 billion dollars but McCain does not understand how it feels to be a parent and unable to take your child to the doctor and when you decide to you risk wrecking your credit history because there is no money to pay the bill. Senator Obama understands the issue of healthcare. For him it is a priority for McCain he wants to reimburse you after the account is written off or in collections. I will be watching each debate and these are the issues Senator Obama must talk about.

Bailout - Controversial Author Claudette Milner Releases her Plan for Wall Street and Main Street

Claudette Milner — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 12:54:18 EDT

Americans must pay for their credit sins by losing their homes, cars, and lose of the American dream. Banks, however after years of making profits at homeowners expense, huge salaries of CEO’s that walked away with millions of dollars after failure will be bailed d out. Paulson would make us believe that if we don’t take this action Wall Street will fail. The huge bailout will pull billions of dollars from domestic issues i.e. universal health care, a comprehensive energy plan, an over hall of the educational system.

Banks Must Face Accountability for Predatory Lending; the plan must include paying only 40% for these assets, a mortgage plan for homeowners and a maximum salary for CEO’s with no bonus until all loans are stabilized and profitable, and yes a bi-partisan overseer.

Senator McCain voted no for the child healthcare bill, said he would vote no for the equal pay-equal work bill, no to extending veteran’s benefits, won’t support universal healthcare, and wants us to just issue vouchers to solve the education crisis we are faced with globally because the cost were to high but it is ok for main street Americans to bail out banks. Where is there accountability?

If we must bail out the banks then the government must propose a plan to bail out homeowners. Many Americans got in trouble when interest rates soared on their existing mortgages and had balloon payments. They overextended themselves without being properly counseled. They were excited and fast talking lenders eagerly encouraged lenders to borrow baby borrow. Many homeowners didn’t expect their jobs would be shipped overseas, the unemployment rate would go up, and the economy would falter. Homeowners are not innocent. We were living in prosperous times and they willingly grabbed their piece of the American dream but the difference is that their credit is ruined, many are homeless, jobless, and yet there is no silver lining for millions of Americans.

Americans should be able to rent homes for a two year period based on income capabilities and then the government should give them a fixed low interest loan based on a clean record of payment. If they are successful the down payment will be waived and the foreclosure will not affect their current credit status. This will give hope to Americans that this government is willing to not bail them out but give them a chance at achieving the American dream again.

Banks must also pay by decreasing CEO salaries to $500,000 a year and cut all bonuses until they are profitable again. Just like the plan for homeowners banks will not recover overnight so the CEO’s will have to live off of their million dollar salaries until they clean up their mess. Many would say that all CEO’s will quit but not if they are denied their walking bonus payments. Many would say that this goes against the American way. Well the rich get tax breaks, and individuals like me will have to pay for this huge bailout that this administration has gotten us into so I think it is only fair. If CEO’s are accountable then they will perform, they will regulate their own industry because after all it has a direct impact on their salary.

The bottom line is that we are spending billions in Iraq, we must redeploy soldiers to Afghanistan, Iran is ready to renew their assignment to develop nuclear weapons, unemployment is up, foreclosures are at 60,000 a month, food and gas prices are soaring, wall street is failing, 9.5 million of our children have no health insurance, many of our children are not ready to compete in a global economy and our jobs are still being shipped overseas. There must be hope for Americans and I am not willing to bail out Wall Street without serious consequences for the predatory actions of banks and the oversight of this administration. What do we have to lose? Money for the challenges that face Main Street. Who will fight for us?

www.barackobama.com

With all the scandal in American Politics Why did Senator McCain pick a candidate Under Investigation when Americans are struggling to make ends meet? The focus has to be on the issues.

Claudette Milner — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:26:47 EDT

With all the scandal in American Politics Why did Senator McCain pick a candidate Under Investigation when Americans are struggling to make ends meet? The focus has to be on the issues.

The country has weathered enough scandals in politics. Most have been sex oriented but the current investigation goes to the very credibility of Governor Palin. It is not a personal issue. The fact that there is an investigation leaves voters not knowing the truth until late in the process. It shows a lack of judgment on McCain’s behalf and definitely shows that he is not putting the country first but playing politics.

I don’t know the consequences of the investigation but what I do know is that it was wrong for Senator McCain to do this to Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. We need a candidate that we can trust.

Governor Palin has already shown a lack of credibility in her biography now we have to wait for our answer on her investigation.

Anchors Need to Take their Cue from the NC Governor Debates- Nothing Sexist Just Entertaining; Bev Purdue against Pat McCory.

Claudette Milner — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:15:53 EDT

I was channel surfing and I turned to the debate. I am undecided in this race so I sat down to listen. There were two anchors but the candidates sat across from each other and the debate began. Unlike other debates the candidates the candidates were able to confront each other on the issues, commercials, and their positions. It was extremely entertaining and I made my choice from this open debate of the issues.

Now Elizabeth Dole and Kay Hagan that is truly another issue, two women, nasty, ugly campaign. Right now I think I’ll write in Mickey Mouse because neither candidate can come out from the mud slinging and distortion of each other’s record to truly discuss the issues. I can say one thing Elizabeth Doyle is no Jessie Helms. When I would write Jesse Helms and say I am a Democrat he always responded quickly with solutions not rhetoric. Elizabeth Dole has never responded to my questions or problems. Pat McCory has during his tenure as mayor of Charlotte. I need someone willing to listen to my concerns regardless of my party affiliation.

Author releases excerpts from her book "Children of Plains Estates" to support early prevention education on child predators.

Claudette Milner — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 12:44:29 EDT

“Mom, I forgot to get you to sign my permission slip.”

“What’s it for, Glen?”

“It’s an assembly on child molestation. I don’t have to go.”

“Of course I want you to go. Every child should know about bad

touching.”

“Mom, you already told me about these things. Don’t talk to

strangers. If a stranger stops me I am supposed to run and scream as

loud as possible. If anyone ever touches me in the wrong way, like

my private parts, or they ask me to touch them in the wrong place, I

should tell my teacher or you as soon as it happens.”

“You’ve actually been listening to me.”

“So, can I skip the assembly?”

“No, I think it’s important that you go.”

“At least I get out of class for an hour.”

“You better hurry before you miss the bus.”

“Students, please get quiet. Our speaker today is Dr. Wells and

Sgt. Baker from the Portland police station.”

“Hello, students, we would like to talk to you about child abuse

and child molestation. Most of you have been told that bad touching

is wrong. Good touching is hugs and kisses shared between two

people that both consent to it. Bad touches are unwanted touches

from a child or an adult, whether it is a parent or a relative or a close

friend or sibling. An example of a bad touch would be someone

touching your private parts of your body. For young girls, your breasts,

for boys and girls, your genital area. In most cases the person touching

you will tell you it must remain a secret. They will sometimes tell

you no one will believe you. Your parent, teacher or counselor will

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believe you. If it is a parent, go to your counselor or teacher. You

have done nothing wrong. They are the ones that have committed a

crime. Whether this happens with a coach, or a priest or a friend, it is

wrong and you need to tell someone. We have a booklet that tells all

about good touches and bad touches. We would like you to watch

this film, then we will answer your questions….”

“We’ve seen children talking about good touches and bad touches

in the film. Does anyone have a question?”

“If you tell that someone has touched you, do they go to jail?”

“Sometimes, but our main job is to get that person into counseling

so it won’t happen again. Our goal is to create a safe environment

for our children to live in.”

The principal returned to the podium. “Thank you very much for

coming today. Students, please return to class.”

“Students, settle down.”

“Mrs. Granger, does that really happen in families? Would mothers

and fathers really molest their own children?”

“Yes, sometimes. Children that are abused sometimes abuse their

children if they don’t get counseling. That’s why it’s so important

that you get help if it happens to you. Then we can break the cycle.

Let’s turn to page 56 in our social studies book.”

“Come on, Alan, if you don’t hurry up we’re going to be late for

lunch.”

“I’m coming. I don’t feel too well today.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know. Promise me you won’t tell anyone.”

“I won’t.”

“My butthole is bleeding. I think I have hemorrhoids. You know,

like on TV.”

“My stepdad’s a doctor. Maybe he can give you some Preparation

H.”

“I told my mom I needed to go to the doctor but she said we

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couldn’t afford it. You have to make an appointment to go to the

clinic, then my mother has to take off work all day, and we can’t

afford it. We don’t have medical insurance. My mother is a

housekeeper for the hotel. My father barely pays child support and

he is always late.”

“My dad doesn’t pay either, but now I have a stepdad.”

“I have to stay every other weekend with my dad. I hate it there.

I tell him he’s hurting me, but he doesn’t stop.”

“Alan, what are you talking about?”

“He touches me like in the film.”

“You have to tell.”

“I can’t because he said I will never see my mom again.”

“Is that why you hurt?”

“I think so, that’s why I’m afraid to tell my mom.”

“I’ll try and get some medicine from my stepdad for you.”

“This is our secret.”

Glen saw the fear in his friend’s eyes. He had to keep his friend’s

secret.

“I’ll take the medicine and I’ll be all right. I have to keep him

from hurting my baby sister.”

“Dad?”

“Yes, Glen?”

“Can I talk to you in your study? I’m sorry, Mom, but this is

man’s talk.”

“Okay Glen, I’m not offended.”

“What’s the problem, Glen?”

“I think I have hemorrhoids and I need some medicine.”

“What makes you think you have hemorrhoids?”

“Well, my rectum is bleeding.”

“Pull your pants down and I will take a look.”

“Well, it’s not really me, it’s my friend Alan.”

“Glen, I can’t give you medicine without examining him. Has he

been to a doctor?”

“His mother can’t afford it. She doesn’t have insurance.”

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“Maybe she can bring him to my office and I can examine him.”

“He can’t tell his mom about it because he’s afraid. He told her

he was feeling bad but not what’s wrong.”

“Glen, why would he be afraid?”

“I can’t tell you. I swore I wouldn’t. I don’t want to betray his

trust.”

“Why don’t you bring him to my office after school tomorrow

and I’ll examine him.”

“Thanks.”

Tom knew something was wrong. He would have to gain the boy’s

trust first, then he would get to the bottom of this.

“Alan, I talked to my dad. He said he couldn’t give you medicine

without examining you first.”

“I was afraid of that. That’s why I didn’t go to the school nurse.”

“Dad said you can come by his office this afternoon.”

“You didn’t tell him anything else, did you?”

“No, he is just going to examine you and give you some medicine.

Did you do your homework?”

“No, I’m still feeling bad. It hurts when I go to the restroom.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to go see the school nurse? You

look like you need to lie down.”

“No, I can wait until I see your father. I don’t want them to think

anything is wrong. They have already been asking questions about

what’s going on at home. My grades are falling. I can’t seem to

concentrate lately. I had to see the counselor yesterday.”

“When my grades were slipping I had to see the counselor a lot.

Come on, we have a little time before class. I’ll help you do your

homework.”

Tom sat in his office. His first thought was that he should find

out the boy’s name and call his mother. He decided to examine him

first. He had worked hard to build a father-son relationship with

Glen.

“Dr. Smith, Glen and his friend are here.”

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“Hi, I’m Dr. Smith.”

“Dad, this is Alan Bates.”

“Alan, it’s nice to meet you. Deborah, can you come in and get

his vitals? My nurse is going to take your temperature and blood

pressure. Glen, why don’t you wait outside.”

“Dad, Alan’s really sick. He can’t go to the bathroom and he’s

really hot.”

“Doctor, he’s running a high fever.”

“Call the school and get his mother’s name and number or ask

them to call her and have her meet us here. Alan, I need you to undress

so I can examine you.”

He saw him hesitate. “I won’t hurt you. Would you like my nurse

to come in while I complete my examination? Deborah, did you make

the call?”

“His mother is on the way.”

“Can you stay in here while I examine him?”

He saw Alan flinch when his genitals were exposed. He ordered

some blood tests. He examined the rectal area. The boy had been

molested. There was no doubt in his mind. It also looked like a urinary

tract infection.

“Alan, you can get dressed until the tests results come back. I

called your mother. She’s going to pick you up.”

“You won’t tell her, will you, because they will take me away

from her.”

“Alan, it’s okay, just lie down and rest.”

“Doctor, Mrs. Bates is here.”

“Mrs. Bates, I’m Dr. Smith. I’m Glen’s stepfather.”

“Is Alan okay? He’s been complaining, but I didn’t think it was

serious.”

“I need to speak with you in private. Mrs. Bates, your son has

been molested. He’s very upset and afraid right now. He thinks that

they are going to take him away from you. Do you have any idea

who’s been molesting your son?”

Mrs. Bates began to cry. The tears wouldn’t stop. “His father. I

divorced him because I caught him touching Alan one day in the

CLAUDETTE MILNER

164

bathroom. He promised if I didn’t tell it would never happen again.

He threatened to kill me if I mentioned it in court. He said I’d never

see my children again. I didn’t want him to have visitation but I was

afraid to fight him in court.”

“Mrs. Bates, I have to call the police. You need to have him

arrested.”

“I have to do this for my son,” she replied.

“Deborah, will you call the police and call my wife and have her

pick up Glen?”

“May I see my son?” asked Mrs. Bates.

“He’s in my office down the hall. Come with me.”

“Baby, I’m so sorry,” Mrs. Bates said to Alan.

“Mom, I hurt. I tried to make him stop but I was afraid he would

hurt Caroline.”

“Alan, I failed you. I should have fought him in court. I love you,

Alan. The police are going to ask you some questions. Don’t be

afraid. I will be with you.”

“Mrs. Bates, the police are here,” Dr. Smith said.

“We’re ready, doctor.”

“You can use my office.”

“Doc, is Alan going to be alright?” Glen asked.

“Yes, Glen, we’re going to get him some help. You go home with

your mom and we’ll talk when I get home.”

“How is Alan?” Glen asked later that night.

“He’s going to be all right. He and his family are going to need

intensive counseling, but he and his mom will get the help that they

need.”

“They don’t have a lot of money.”

“I’ve arranged for them to see counselors at the clinic. Glen, I

know you promised to keep Alan’s secret, but if I hadn’t seen him,

he might have gotten really sick. You were a good friend and I’m

proud of you.”

“I didn’t want to go to the film, but seeing the film helped Alan

talk about what was happening to him. I hope it helps other kids.”

CHILDREN OF PLAINS ESTATES

165

McCain’s greatest Morale Sin; Using a Bill to Educate Children about Predators as a Political Ploy. Obviously he has never looked into the eyes of a child that has been a victim of a predator.

Claudette Milner — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 12:38:05 EDT

When I saw the commercial tears came to my eyes. How could a man with 7 children use this bill as an advertisement to get votes? How could he mislead parents? How could he lie for political gain? I watched on the View as he reiterated that he approves this message.

A child in my family was molested at the age of 5 and during her teen years. There was no education program at school that reached out to children and no help from her mother. Today she still has not healed.

“It is estimated that at least two out of every ten girls and one out of every ten boys are sexually abused by the end of their 13th year. To protect all children, we first need to learn the facts. Did you know that most children who are sexually abused, are abused by a family member or close friend? Did you know that "stranger danger," by comparison, is quite rare?” Excerpts from the website http://childmolestationprevention.org/I first started writing about sexual abuse in my first book “Children of Plains Estates” and continue in my second book because there was no one there for my sister. I write in order to educate parents and children. My greatest failure is that I have not reached millions of children. When children are educated about predators they are more likely to tell someone. Please don’t let McCain’s lies keep you from protecting our children.

When does a girl begin to get paid equally for equal work, or a child guaranteed health insurance or an equal education in their own neighborhood or veterans get extended benefits after their sacrifice for this country. NOT IN A MCCAIN PRESIDENCY

Claudette Milner — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 10:28:30 EDT

Senator McCain doesn’t support a women’s right to choose and the republican platform calls for making abortion a criminal act. Governor Palin wants to stop funding for sex education unless it has an abstinence only platform which will increase teen pregnancies, abortions, STD’s and the growing cases of HIV and AIDS.

The McCain campaign does not support equal pay for equal work so will Governor Palin get paid $.75 on the dollar of what Vice-president Chaney Makes.

Senator McCain voted NO for the Child Health Insurance Bill.

He proposes vouchers instead of a comprehensive education plan

He didn’t bother to vote for the stimulus package which gave millions of Americans some relief from high grocery bills and gas.

He voted NO to extended benefits for veterans.

Instead of investing money in our children, education, strengthening the economy, climate change and energy he wants to continue the tax cuts to the wealthy while ignoring the middle class.

Who are McCain and Palin working for? Definitely not working class America.

Author Claudette Milner Release Excerpts of her first book "Children of Plains Estates": Down Syndrome and it's Challenges

Claudette Milner — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:42:29 EDT

The positive thing about Governor Palen’s addition to the Republican’s ticket is that special needs children are getting the attention that is needed to insure that funding is available for their care. Governor Palin is now an advocate. I have been writing about a family with Down’s syndrome since 2003 in my first book. I would like to share some excerpts with you from my first book “Children of Plains Estates” There story continues in my second book.

“Mrs. Hayden, this is Dr. Sasser’s office. The doctor would likeCHILDREN OF PLAINS ESTATES99to see you and your husband as soon as possible.”“Is anything wrong with the baby?”“I really don’t know.”“We can come in tomorrow morning.”“The earliest appointment is 10:00 a.m. Is that ok?”“We’ll be there.”The minute Robert stepped into the door he knew something waswrong. “Terri, has something happened with the baby?”“No, I feel fine, but he does want to see us in his office in themorning. His nurse couldn’t give me any other information.”“Terri, don’t worry,” said Robert. “It won’t help the baby if you’reupset. Here, why don’t we order a pizza for dinner and get a goodnight’s sleep.”“Mr. and Mrs. Hayden.”“Hello, doctor.”“Thank you for coming in. I have reviewed your medical historyand talked to another doctor and I want to do an amniocentesis.”“Is something wrong?” asked Mrs. Hayden.“Not to my knowledge. It’s just a precautionary step. We take asample of the amniotic fluid and make sure everything is normal.There is little risk to the fetus. The test results will be back in sixweeks.”“When do you want to do the procedure?”“As early as possible. We can schedule you for tomorrow morning.It’s an outpatient procedure.”“Tomorrow will be fine.”“Terri, Robert, is everything okay?”“Hi, Mary.”“Hon, I’ve got to get back to work.”“Terri, I was just about to take a lunch break, why don’t you joinme?” asked Mary. “Cafeteria food is not great but it beats a blank.”“We were just in to see Dr. Sasser.”“Are you pregnant?”CLAUDETTE MILNER100“Three months.”“That’s wonderful news.”“Dr. Sasser wants us to have amniocentesis.”“I’m sure it’s just to make sure everything is okay. When are youhaving it done?”“Tomorrow morning.”“Well, try not to worry. Six weeks is a long time to worry. If youhave any questions or just want to talk, call me. I have to run. I’llcheck in on you tomorrow.”“Mom, is everything okay?”“Tomorrow I have to have an amniocentesis done.”“What is that?” asked Stacy.“It’s a procedure where they give me a shot in the stomach, butinstead of putting something in, they take out fluid from around thebaby.”“Won’t it hurt him?”“No, it will tell us two things: if the baby is okay and what sex itis. We won’t know anything for six weeks though.”“Mom, everything is going to be fine. I already know the sex. Ibet you it’s a boy.”Robert brought Terri home from the hospital. “The worst is over.We’re going to concentrate on getting the nursery ready for our baby,”said Robert.“What if something’s wrong?’ said Terri.We’ll deal with that when we know. For right now let’s get youup to bed.” Chapter 23The phone rang. Terri ran to the telephone thinking it was Robert.“Mrs. Hayden, this is Doctor Sasser’s office. Your test results are inand the doctor would like to meet with you. We have an openingtoday at 4:30 if that’s convenient for you.”“Robert gets off at 4:00. I’ll have to check with him and see if hecan make it. I’ll call you back if we can’t make it.”Terri called and left a message with Robert’s supervisor. “Holdon, Terri, I’ll get him on the phone.”“Robert, the doctor’s office called. He would like to meet with ustoday at 4:30. Can you make it?”“I’ll have to meet you there. Are you okay? Do you want me tocome home?”“No, I’m okay. I’ll meet you there.”“Terri, whatever happens, we’ll get through it together.”“Mr. and Mrs. Hayden. Thank you for coming in on such shortnotice. First of all, the baby is a boy.” Terri grabbed Robert’s hand.“Your son does have Down syndrome. Down syndrome occurs whenthere is an extra chromosome. It occurs in about one in every 1000births. Why don’t you ask me the first questions that come to yourmind?”“How severe will it be?” asked Mr. Hayden.“We will not know until your son is born and tests can be done.Some Down syndrome children are only mildly retarded and can betrained to live normal and productive lives. Some are severelyretarded and most of them stay in a foster home or an institution.”“Dr. Sasser, do all children with Down syndrome look alike?”CLAUDETTE MILNER104“A child with Down syndrome is usually characterized withupward slanted eyes, a flat nose, a small head, and short stubby hands.The ears and teeth are usually small and abnormally shaped. Downsyndrome may be accompanied by heart disorder, poor vision, andrespiratory problems. Mr. and Mrs. Hayden, I am giving you theworse case scenario. You are early enough in the pregnancy that youcan elect to terminate.”“Abortion is not an option for us, Dr. Sasser,” said Terri.Robert looked at Terri and walked out of the office.“Mrs. Hayden, here are some booklets you and your husbandwill want to read. I have also enclosed the name and number of fosterparents that care for children with Down syndrome. They can bevery helpful in answering any other questions you have. After youand your husband make your final decision, you need to set up anappointment to come in. We don’t have a lot of time to make thedecision, Mrs. Hayden.”“I’ll get in touch with you as soon as possible, doctor. I promise.”“Robert, why did you walk out like that?”“Terri, I need some time to think about all of this. Then we candiscuss our options.”“Robert, are you going to follow me home?”“I’ll be home later, Terri.”Terri pulled off to the side of the road and sobbed until she wasshaking, then she drove home.“Mom, I’m home,” called Stacey. “Why are you sitting here inthe dark?”“We got the results of the test back today.”“Is it going to be a boy or a girl?”“The baby is a boy. I already have a named picked out. MichaelAnderson Hayden,” said Mrs. Hayden.“I like that name. Aren’t you happy, Mommy?”“There are some problems.”“He’s okay, isn’t he?”CHILDREN OF Yes, but he might not be able to learn things as fast as otherchildren.”“Of course not, Mom, he’ll be a baby.”“I’m talking about when he gets older.”“We have a class at school that children are in because they don’tlearn as fast as others. My teacher said they are in the class so theycan learn at their own pace and not be teased by other students. I’mglad because kids can be real mean sometimes. Mom, sometimes Idon’t learn things as fast as other students, but you and Daddy stilllove me.”“Why don’t you go upstairs and work on your homework while Iget dinner ready.”“Okay, Mom, I’ll try to keep the noise down,” replied Stacey.Terri let the tears roll down her cheeks. She was disappointedtoo, but this was her son. He deserved all the love they had to givehim. She needed Robert. Why was he shutting her out? She closedher eyes and prayed for her family. Then she picked up the bookletsand began to read.Robert came in late. “Robert we need to talk,” said Terri. “I’vebeen reading these booklets and there is a very good chance ourchild will only have minor problems. Dr. Sasser gave me the nameof a lady we can call and visit that has a child with Down syndrome.”“Terri, don’t you see I need some space? I can’t just hear thenews and start planning the nursery,” replied Robert in frustration.Terri went to her room. She was hurting to. Didn’t he understand?“Mom, it’s Grandma on the telephone,” yelled Stacey.“What’s wrong, Terri?” asked her mother. “Stacey said you andRobert were arguing about the baby. She said the baby is going to beslow.”“Mom, the baby has Down syndrome and we’re just trying todeal with it,” Terri said tearfully.“Terri, why don’t I take Stacey for the weekend and give you andRobert time to talk in private?” asked her mom. “This is particularlyhard on Robert. This is his first son.”“Mom, it’s my son too. Why can’t anybody understand myCLAUDETTE MILNER106feelings?”“Your husband loves you and this baby. Just give him some time,Terri. I’ll pick up Stacey in the morning.”“Stacey?”“Yes, Mom?”“Pack an overnight bag. Your grandmother is going to pick youup in the morning. Robert, Mom is going to pick Stacey up in themorning.”“You told your mother before we had a chance to discuss it andmake a decision? I guess you told her I wanted you to have anabortion. Now she thinks I’m some kind of monster, not wanting myown child. What kind of man does that make me?”“Robert, I didn’t discuss any of it with her. She just thought weneeded some time alone,” explained Terri.“Mom, thanks for taking Stacey,” said Terri.“Stacey and I are going to have a wonderful time,” replied hermother.Stacey got in the back seat and went to sleep while hergrandmother drove.Terri and Robert had marriage problems after the miscarriagebut they had worked them out. How would this affect her daughter’smarriage?“Stacey, we’re here,” said her grandmother. “Wake up.”“Grandma, can we go horseback riding?”“Let’s get some lunch first,” replied her grandmother.“Stacey, let’s rest the horses over here,” said her grandmother.“Grandma, is everything going to be all right between Mom andDad? They were so happy about the baby.”“Stacey, every parent worries about their child. They want thechild to be healthy, with five fingers and five toes. They pray to Godand trust that everything will be okay. Your mom and dad found outearlier that your brother may not be healthy and there may be someCHILDREN OF Plains Estates other complications. They have to prepare for this and they needsome time alone. They will work it out together.”“Grandma, I love my brother no matter what. When Mother lostthe baby she was sad, and so was Daddy. Now they are having ababy and she’s still sad.”“Stacey, it will work out,” said her grandmother.“Terri,” Robert said, “we need to talk.”“Have you read the booklets yet?” asked Terri.“No I haven’t,” replied Robert.“Maybe I should call Pastor Cunningham,” exclaimed Terri.“Terri, you are not listening. I have not accepted the news yet.You are trying to push this down my throat. This decision affects ourentire family, not just you. Have you thought about the fact that ourson may be severely retarded? He may never be able to lead a normallife. Have you thought about the medical expenses? Terri, you areonly looking at one side of it.”“Robert, you are looking at your side of it.”“I am going to my parents’ before I say or do anything I’ll regret.We both need some time to think,” replied Robert.“When are you coming back?” asked Terri.“I don’t know!” Robert exclaimed.“Mom, I’m home,” yelled Stacey.“Terri, how are you?” asked her mother.“Mom, am I wrong? Robert is staying at his parents’ house.”“Terri, I think this will give you and Robert time to answer yourquestions. Go on up and put your daughter to bed,” said her mother.“Mommy?”“Yes, Stacey?”“Where is Daddy?”“He’s over at Grandma Hayden’s house.”“Is he coming home soon? I want to say goodnight and tell him Ilove him. I don’t want you and Daddy to fight anymore,” said Stacey “If you fall asleep before he gets home, I’ll tell him that you triedto wait up for him and that you love him very much. Now try and getsome sleep. I love you, Stacey.”“I love you too, Mommy,” replied Stacey.Terri heard the sound of Robert’s key in the door. She waited inthe room, not knowing if he was going to come upstairs or go backout. She heard him go into Stacey’s room.“Hi, Daddy, I was trying to wait up for you. I love you, Daddy,”said Stacey.“I love you, Stacey. How was your weekend?”“Great, Grandma took me horseback riding. She said I was gettingreally good.”“I’ll have to go riding with you next time,” said Robert.“Daddy, are you going to move out?”“No, Stacey, I just needed some time to think,” replied her dad.“Did you think?” asked Stacey.“Yes I did, and I need to talk with your mother.”“Daddy, I’m glad you came home.”“I’m home to stay, Stacey.” Robert gave his daughter a hug andtucked her in. “Goodnight, little one.”“Goodnight, Daddy.”“Terri, I’m ready to talk. Sit down, please. Terri, it wasn’t that Ididn’t want the baby. My cousin was retarded. All the kids used tolaugh at him and tease him. I was afraid for our son. Terri, every manhas dreams of playing catch with his son, of coaching him at littleleague. It was as if I had been robbed of all my dreams. I want to dothose things with my son. It was like I suffered a loss. Then I thoughtabout the loss of our other son and I knew this child would be ablessing to this family. Terri, this decision affects everybody. I amwilling to read all the books and visit the day care facilities withyou. Then we will make a decision that is best for this family. Wealso need to speak with Pastor Cunningham.”CHILDREN OF PLAINS ESTATES109Terri, Robert and Stacey spent the next two weeks visiting thehomes of parents with children that had Down syndrome. They alsotalked to Pastor Cunningham. They would care for their son at homeas long as he wasn’t severely retarded. If he was, then they wouldfind a quality foster home to care for him, but he would be a part of

their lives. They both agreed abortion was not an option.

Claudette Milner is the author of "Children of Plains Estates" and "Unheard Voices":Children of Plains Estates"

John McCain: Judgment; Governor Palin, Credibility: Sarah Palin insulted Community organizers across the country in her acceptance speech and forgot that her administration received 71 million for the bridge to no where and she didn’t send it back to cong

Claudette Milner — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:42:28 EDT

Governor Palin can throw out barbs all day long but can she be honest? This will be a question for voters to answer. The government can not solve America’s problems alone.

They look to community organizers to do the job. They work tireless hours creating solutions for building communities, registering voters, dealing with the housing crises, discrimination, organizing educational programs for neighborhoods on little pay.

In 1980 I was a VISTA volunteer. I was sent to Topeka Kansas to work with Legal AID/ Battered Women’s Task Force for 250.00 Month. Governor Palin would suggest that community workers have no responsibilities. My job included traveling throughout northeast Kansas educating women on domestic violence, being an advocate in court for victims, a weekly radio show, and domestic violence training for sheriffs, attorneys and judges. I worked with four other women all volunteering to combat domestic violence.

Community organizers have recruited volunteers, and implemented marches and even worked to give her the right to vote. For Palin to underscore the work of organizers was a slap in the face to those of us that continue to contribute our skills and talents to build this great country.

By the way Palin didn’t say no the Bridge to no where Congress was #329 million dollars short of the 400 million that the state of Alaska needed to fund the project. By the way what became of the 71 million that Alaska received? She sure didn’t send it back.

John McCain: Judgment; Governor Palin, Credibility: Sarah Palin insulted Community organizers across the country in her acceptance speech and forgot that her administration received 71 million for the bridge to no where and she didn’t send it back to cong

Claudette Milner — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:42:24 EDT

Governor Palin can throw out barbs all day long but can she be honest? This will be a question for voters to answer. The government can not solve America’s problems alone.

John McCain: Judgment; Governor Palin, Credibility: Sarah Palin insulted Community organizers across the country in her acceptance speech and forgot that her administration received 71 million for the bridge to no where and she didn’t send it back to cong

Claudette Milner — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:42:20 EDT

Governor Palin can throw out barbs all day long but can she be honest? This will be a question for voters to answer. The government can not solve America’s problems alone.

God's Devine Purpose for your Life

Claudette Milner — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:09:09 EDT

As I speak at churches throughout the states I find a common denominator among our youth. Nobody’s listening to their voices. The church preaches pro-life but it is not dealing with the issues facing our youth today and they are afraid to talk about them to Christians.

Before a child is created God predetermines their destiny. No matter how much one tries to run there is a desire in each of us to accomplish a certain goal. I believe that no matter what path you take there is a divine purpose for each of us. In the lives of our youth there are many detractions from accomplishing their goals and we as a church family must acknowledge these distractions and guide our youth in a Christian way. We must give them love and support. We must let them know that no one is perfect but that we are there for them to listen.

It is my mission to hear the voices of our children by conducting workshops on How to Overcome Obstacles and Walk in your Devine Purpose.

I would like to introduce you to Claudette Milner. Ms. Milner is an author and
speaker. She is an awesome, dynamic and provocative personality who has published two books and is working on the third of a series of what will be five. Ms. Milner isn't flamboyant, doesn't
speak loudly but when she does speak her words impact the hearers’ hearts and minds.
I invite you to get to know Claudette Milner by visiting her website, chatting with
her on her blog, attending one of her scheduled events and purchasing one of her two
books. This wonderful and wise woman of faith is very much in demand locally and
nationally and would be a great choice for a speaker at an event you or someone you
know may be sponsoring this coming year

Ms. Milner is the author of “Children of Plains Estates” and “Unheard Voices”: Children of Plains Estates.

To book Ms Milner for your youth group send an email to cmilner_@hotmail.com

Senator McCain stands side by side with Volunteers but Voted Down Every Funding Bill that was needed to help Katrina Survivors.

Claudette Milner — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:51:46 EDT

You can’t hide your voting record and it speaks to how McCain really feels about victims of Hurricane Katrina. After spending billions a month on the war Senator McCain rejected every bill that would aid the hurricane victims. Once again Senator McCain talks the talk but doesn’t walk the walk.

As the Democratic minority tried throughout the fall of 2005 to get help for people in Louisiana and Mississippi, the Republicans wanted no part of it and despite his post-Katrina pledge to "do all that is necessary to fund essential relief and recovery efforts and help those in need," John McCain was right there to shoot down every initiative that would have helped, including the following Democratic-sponsored bills:

Republicans, Democrats and Independents, Lets Make Real History in America; passing equal pay for equal work, and supporting universal health care.

Claudette Milner — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:50:22 EDT

The choice in this election has never been so clear. Senator McCain does not support equal pay for equal work, or universal health care. Some think this is a race to make history. For over 200 years women have never been paid equally for their labor. In 2008 women still make 75 cents for every dollar that a man makes for doing the same job. Millions of Americans including 9.5 million children of working parents have no health insurance. Preventive care would be far less expensive than the ultimate cost for treating illnesses after the fact. It is not important whether an African American or a woman is on the ticket. True history will be made when women are paid equally and our citizens are insured.

Sarah Palin: Judgment. With 40,000 new HIV cases per year, 50% of the victims under age 25, and 26% of teenagers having contracted STD’s her platform for abstinence only education leaves millions of teenagers without knowledge and raises the number of abo

Claudette Milner — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:39:56 EDT

It is obvious that the abstinence speech did not resonate in the Palin household. As a mother of twin girls that are now 25, I know that teenagers are hard-headed and many times don’t listen to parents so her daughter being pregnant is unfortunately common –place. The problem is that Governor Palin would like to cut sex education funding out of the schools except for programs that include abstinence only. With over 1 million teen pregnancies in the United States, 26% of teenagers having contracted sexually transmitted diseases, and 50% of new aids cases being young people under the age of 25 we must have a comprehensive sex education program in our schools. Our graduation rate is around 59%. Our young mothers are failing between the cracks.

The question is do we sentence our children to ignorance or do we educate our children and save their lives? Each of us has to make that decision.

Judgment: In turbulent times McCain picks a VP that is not prepared to lead the country. He chooses politics rather than what is best for the country.

Claudette Milner — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:36:38 EDT

John McCain’s age is a factor now more than ever in this election. Like the majority of Americans I stopped in mid-stream when I heard Senator McCain’s VP pick Sarah Palin, I had to laugh. The Maverick yielded to the Republican Party’s choice not to pick a qualified choice of Tom Ridge because he was pro-choice but then he plays politics and picks a woman that is clearly not qualified to be commander and chief.

I immediately went to her biography. The ironic thing is that when the two most important factors in this race are national security and the economy John McCain picks a candidate that wants to regulate the oil industry when Republicans want business as usual and John McCain’s main mission is to protect big oil.

John McCain made the bad judgment to think that we would support any ticket that had a woman as the running mate. Give us some credit. We won’t support a woman that is not qualified. We will not support a ticket that wants a constitutional ban against abortion, a ticket that will not support equal pay for equal work, a ticket that will continue the tax cuts for the wealthy, a ticket that is against universal health care, a ticket that wants us to use vouchers to cure the ills of our educational system but does not support universal pre-K.

Judgment: The first decision a candidate makes is his VP. This decision defines the candidate. John McCain just doesn’t get it and his decision proves he lacks the judgment to be commander and chief.

The Greatest Tribute that Senator Clinton’s supporters can pay her is to fight for her agenda for this country.

Claudette Milner — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:40:42 EDT

I watched the protesters during the convention last night and listened to the pollsters say that a large majority of Clinton supporters would not vote for Senator Obama and may vote for John McCain. I was immediately sad because Senator Clinton has fought for the rights of women since she was eighteen years old. Her passion has been universal health care. She believes in a comprehensive energy plan for this country. She is a dedicated senator. Senator Obama and Senator Clinton believe in this country. She stayed on the campaign trail for 18 months refusing to relent to the naysayers, refusing to give up, continuing despite pressure to concede because she fought for her constituents until the final vote was cast.

Now her supporters turn on her. They slap her in the face and say that everything you have fought for your entire life means nothing to us because you did not win the election. We are willing to turn back Roe. V Wade, continue to give our money to Oil companies when American families need it to survive. We are willing to deny working Americans universal health care. We are willing for our soldiers to continue to die and be deployed to Iraq. We are willing to vote for John McCain in protest although we know that the country cannot survive another 8 years of Bush. We are willing to accept that there will not be immigration reform and leave our children trillions of dollars in debt. The attitude is we have been wronged so let the country suffer for another 8 years and this will be our revenge.

In 2000 the democrats were robbed in the election. It is unacceptable that we would sabotage our own election then say we support Senator Clinton, but to hell with America.

Welcome Senator Biden

Claudette Milner — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 16:12:09 EDT

Like most Democrats I waited for the text message but I also watched CNN carefully for the reveal of the VP. After the announcement I looked at my candidate for VP and guess what Senator Obama and I were in agreement. I am thrilled because these two men represent a balanced ticket. I love Biden because he has met challenges in his life and has persevered. He is knowledgeble and ready to lead. Like Senator Obama he is a fighter. I am excited about the convention and ready to join these two candidates in rolling up my sleeves to take back this country for working class Americans. I believe that we can provide health care for Americans, I believe that we can protect our environment while initiating a comprehensive energy plan. I believe we can attack the issues of unemployment, the credit crisis, education and poverty. In order to accomplish our platform we must have knowledge of Washington, a senator that has fought for the rights of women, and that will join Senator Obama to protect Americans here and abroad. Without hesitation I believe that YES WE CAN take back our country and make it GREAT again.

Every news show points to the Clinton Supporters but the truth of the matter is Senator Clinton and former President Clinton cannot afford to alienate the 19 million Senator Obama supporters if she wants a future run for the White House.

Claudette Milner — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:49:35 EDT

When I heard that there was going to be a roll call I got a little suspicious and I began to worry about the Clinton’s commitment to uniting the party. Senator Clinton has been enthusiastic and committed to bringing her supporters together in the Democratic bid for the white house. Everyone will be watching especially the supporters of each candidate. I believe that in eight years Senator will be ready for another political run after a successful term as the governor of New York. She will need the support of all Democrats including those that voted for Senator Obama. The question is will the Clinton’s step up to the plate or will they ruin her future as Madame-President. The world will be watching.

I am a pro-life Democrat because I cannot support an agenda that leaves 9.4 million children without healthcare, 5.5 million children living in extreme poverty and inequality in the education system.

Claudette Milner — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:37:36 EDT

I believe that life begins at conception and I am pro-life but I also believe that once a child is born as a Christian I cannot turn my back on the welfare of our children.

According to the latest figures of the Children Defense Fund “Seven of every 10 poor children live in families in which at least one family member worked full- or part-time for at least part of the calendar year. Yet for millions of these children, family incomes are insufficient to meet even their basic health and nutrition needs. Poorer children have relatively lower achievement in school and are much less likely to graduate from high school, putting them at high risk of inter-generational poverty. Such extensive child poverty costs our nation half a trillion dollars each year in lost productivity, poorer health, and increased crime. Youth from low-income households have an increased likelihood of participating in serious crimes compared to those from higher-income households. Violence and crime undermine social cohesion within and between communities, jeopardizing our national security.”“Of the more than 4 million infants born each year in the United States, about 28,000 die before their first birthday.”“Underlying our national statistics are major gaps in health coverage and access to health care. Presently, 9.4 million children are uninsured, representing an increase of more than one million children over the last two years. A baby currently is born without health coverage every 41 seconds. Almost 9 of every 10 uninsured children live in working families. Some two-thirds live in families with incomes at or below twice the poverty level, making even group family health policies unaffordable at current average annual costs of over $12,000.”Senator McCain has no answers for our children.

When listening to excerpts from the debate Senator McCain said unequivocally that his administration would be pro-life. My question to him is why the value of life stops after the birth of a child. Isn’t this child that he is willing to fight for its existence worthy of health care, an equal education in their own neighborhood and an equal opportunity in life?

I am old enough to know that turning back Roe Vs Wade will not stop abortions. It will cause desperate women, victims of rape and incest to seek other methods that will result in more deaths. I believe that every child has a purpose for being born. I believe that each life is a part of the big picture and that when we terminate a pregnancy we have killed the fetus and God’s destiny for that fetus. I believe the answer will come when the Church stands up not in judgment, but in compassion for our unwed mothers. This will be accomplished when the church understands that they cannot just be pro-life but must reach out to the community and change the hearts of women by being followers of Jesus. We must pray as a nation first then we must be called into action to come up with solutions to the problems of teen-age pregnancy, AIDS, HIV and sexually transmitted diseases. As Christians we cannot sit on the side-lines while our children live in poverty, or go without basic health-care. Vote with me to help our children. Now is our time.

Senator McCain " Shame the Gas Companies into doing the right thing

Claudette Milner — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:13:06 EDT

While watching ABC news with George and Fox News my main news watch this past Sunday was ABC weekly with Senator McCain. Most of it was a regurgitation of the surge but then we finally got to taxes. He talked about doubling the dependent tax credit then when asked about social security he said that raising payroll taxes was not off the table. For someone that has said over and over I will lower business taxes, will leave tax breaks on the wealthy in effect, it seems the only group that he would consider raising taxes on are hard working individuals that are trying to master gas and grocery bills, while handing a mortgage payment and increasing health care. This explains why Senator McCain didn’t bother to vote for the stimulus payment.

When asked about high gas prices he pushed drilling for more oil and of course a gas tax holiday. When George said that economists say that this option will not trickle down to consumers his reply was that public opinion has a lot to do with getting things done and that Americans should shame the gas companies into passing on the savings to consumers. Since the oil companies are still taking incentive money while Americans are getting gouged with high oil prices while they experience windfall profits it is naïve of Senator McCain to believe that this will work.

Senator McCain also said that he would have visited the prison in Berlin regardless of what the pentagon said and I believe him but isn’t it ironic that when a bill was on the floor to increase benefits to the very soldiers that he would have shook hands with he voted NO. Senator McCain. It is one thing to support the troops by shaking their hand it is another to support their future. After all they are risking their lives for our country.

It Will Take More than Closing Schools and Mass Firings to Improve Our Schools. It will take a building of self esteem and a renewed thirst for knowledge.

Claudette Milner — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 13:30:11 EDT

It Will Take More than Closing Schools and Mass Firings to Improve Our Schools. It will take a building of self esteem and a renewed thirst for knowledge. Make no mistake it will take the combined efforts of Parents, Community, Educators, Students, and Administrators.

I have been watching with interest in Washington, Louisiana, and my home state of North Carolina as they attempt to raise test scores. The new chancellor in Washington believes that she can close schools, and hire new staff and test scores will improve. Louisiana Superintendant seems to be more aware of the challenges, but socially promoting students that have not passed the 8th grade test does not build self image. It simply says we do not believe you have the ability to pass but we need the space. With a 59% graduation rate the city council of charlotte has cut the educational budget by 18 million while giving itself a 29% raise. The budget cuts have caused a major reduction of staff. The new superintendant has switched out quality principals and put them in lower performing schools and given them incentives.

When I think about instructors that have had the greatest impact on my life they were educators that believed in my ability to meet the challenge. I disliked my algebra teacher but I never forgot the knowledge. My chemistry teacher stayed after class while I conducted test samples on formulas. I remember my sister’s algebra teacher kept students after class sometimes till 6:00 until they mastered the subject. My daughter’s geometry teacher allowed her to call him at home when she had trouble with an assignment. An emphasis on education should begin in the home. Unfortunately when athletes, celebrities, and entertainment artists are more heralded than educators, scientist, and mathematicians our children grow up with the wrong priorities and today’s parents are just as misguided. I wonder how a parent can watch their child be socially promoted in order to play sports. Some look at the school however I blame the parents. Our children must have a strong educational foundation in order to succeed in life. When parents are unable to provide this at home then the community must step up to the plate and provide community services such as image building, tutoring, literacy education and computer training. These are the types of faith based institutions that we should be funding. When the community fails we have to look at our educators to teach our children. Children come in to schools without goals and looking for academicians that not only have to be teachers but counselors, disciplinarians and mentors. I talk with many teachers that say we do not pay them enough to perform all these tasks. I have been in the classroom so I understand the challenge. As a country we do not respect the job asked of our educators. We don’t make education our priority in our society. Our government is currently funding war over the educational needs of our children.

There is no concrete solution for this problem. It will take a combination of resources. You cannot reach children without the input of parents. You can not create a motivation for learning without building self esteem. You cannot expect success unless you raise your expectations. You cannot encourage children unless you truly believe that they can accomplish a goal. If I earn my way into 9th grade then I have proven to myself that I have the capacity for greater goals but if you pass me to make room for others I know you don’t believe in me. We must create charter schools for older students and give incentives to community colleges so that older students have an incentive to continue learning.

Our educational system is one of our greatest shames. We as a country must recommit to the education of our children. It is morally the right thing to do.

With the rising cost of food and gas, a credit crisis, 47 million uninsured Americans and a failed “No Child Left Behind” policy we cannot afford to elect a one dimensional President.

Claudette Milner — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:24:25 EDT

I have always liked Senator McCain. In the past he has been a maverick but since becoming the presumptive Republican nominee he has become the protector of rich, vowing to continue the tax cuts for the wealthy while families are struggling to put food on the table and get to work. He supports bailouts for big business while unemployment increases with mass layoffs from banks, the automotive industry and airlines,

John McCain once promised the Hispanic community a road to citizenship but now supports securing the borders before a massive immigration reform initiative.

McCain’s policy on the economy is non-existent while his advisor has labeled Americans whiners.

Senator McCain supports moving children from schools that are failing and allowing a voucher program. This one dimensional plan does not begin to solve the educational problems in America. It does not confront the rising cost of education and the absorbent student loan costs. It does not confront unequal opportunities in disadvantage areas, or equality in education. It simply will not move America forward and make it competitive in the next century.

McCain’s only strength is foreign policy. What scares me is that after we find ourselves trillions of dollars in debt and thousands of lives lost Senator McCain said based on what he now knows he would put Americans in harm’s way again based on lies. How can he make this statement to the wives, parents and friends of soldiers that have died or been wounded.

I have been back and forth on the time table but I agree that there must be an end to the Iraq war. I wrote about my disagreement back in 2002 but coming from a military family my support has always been with our troops. The problem is that when you do not give a tentative time table to Iraq they will not be forced to end their dissention and unite to control their own government. If commanders and generals and the Iraqi people are given goals to meet certain timelines then they are better able to take over their country. Maybe all goals will not be met then you reassess at that time to see what goals must still be achieved with new realistic timelines but as goals are met and areas secured troops begin to leave. An open ended agreement and no exit strategy do not help Iraq nor does it help us to re-deploy troops to Afghanistan and Palestine. This strategy only serves Al-Qaida.

Our prolonged presence in Iraq has already allowed Al-Qaida to strengthen their forces. We cannot afford to lose any more ground.

Will Top Donor female Clinton Supporters Ultimately Set Woman’s rights back 40 years? Will their personal agenda come before the future of America?

Claudette Milner — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:11:36 EDT

When Senator Clinton suspended her campaign there was a mixture of anger and a sense of betrayal. There were individuals that felt that there had been blatant sexism during the campaign and they are right. My greatest fear is that rather than fighting for the removal of troops in Iraq, a better education system, a continuation of Roe v Wade, tax breaks for the middle class, a comprehensive energy plan, universal health care, the Democrats will once again shoot themselves in the foot by not looking at the big picture.

Senator Clinton laid out a platform that would change the course of American politics. Her vision is shared by Senator Obama so my question is if you believe in the Democratic platform then why are we not all on the same page? Why is there still dissention in the party? Senator Obama has put his faith in our ability to fund this campaign and be responsive to the McCain campaign. The greatest asset we have in this campaign is the power of all women to support this campaign. We cannot afford to lose and we cannot afford to wait until the last month to heal our wounds. The price for losing is too high. We must join together.

As I continue writing my third book I know there is no option for me but to be led by the Holy Spirit.

Claudette Milner — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:49:30 EDT

When I talk with my nephew he informs me that if I change my genre to urban fiction I can get paid. I try to explain to him that for me there is no other option. When I write I give way to the whispering of the Holy Spirit.

Senator Obama has been criticized about his stance on accountability in the African-American community. Thought of the current Black leadership is that we should not air our dirty laundry in public forums that include other minorities.

While reading excerpts from my book on child abandonment the group seemed to have one question on their mind. Was the father black? When I said not this character they were relieved. I thought this odd then I remembered when I wrote the first book I challenged God with why the black child has taken an overdose of prescription pills. I was quickly advised it was because the mother was a nurse and was taking sleeping pills. It wasn’t about the race of the character. I no longer question my topics are my characters. I don’t question when race is never mentioned. I realize that God wants the reader to envision the character to confront their own stereotypes and understand their own feeling about race, religion, and class.

I have been taken to task about the subjects that I choose to write about i.e. pedophilia, race, immigration, alcoholism, child abandonment, aids, and the holocaust but there is no other choice. I hold to the belief that God has given me the words to open a dialogue of understanding that will conquer our fears, open our hearts, to the great America that we can become.

Racism and Classism in America: Author Claudette Milner releases excerpts of her book “Unheard Voices”: Children of Plains Estates.

Claudette Milner — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:28:05 EDT

Chapter 8

The human resource staff had arrived in Plains Estates just priorto the strike. Carla Dean and her son and the Williamson family wouldbe moving into their homes on Saturday. The Williamson’s were aninterracial couple. Their daughter Morgan and son Jeffrey would beattending school at Radcliff. Carla’s son Clayton would be going toMartin Luther King Middle School.Jeffrey, who had darker skin, would migrate toward the African-Americans, while Morgan was more noticeably biracial. She had adifficult time in school with her peers. She didn’t seem to fit inanywhere. Now she would be in a school that was already dividedracially.She tried to talk her parents out of their choice of Radcliff, but theyinsisted it would be different than her last school. She would makefriends. The racial issues had been resolved. Radcliff had beenofficially integrated.She had cried all night. Her parents didn’t understand. They onlysaw the world through their own eyes. They loved each other, andbelieved that the world must accept them and their children.For Morgan, knowing that she was loved was not enough. Shedidn’t want to fight any racial wars. She just wanted to be acceptedfor herself.Her parents had made sure that she and her brother were educatedabout their culture. Their mother, Karen, was of Irish descent and theirfather was African-American.In her immediate family, Morgan felt loved and accepted. She feltsafe there, but in the outside world she was called names, branded byher color. She wasn’t black and she wasn’t white. There was no safehaven for her.
CLAUDETTE MILNER

Silently she blamed her parents for making her an outcast.Obviously when they married, they had never thought about what itwould be like for their children. They assumed that their love wouldbe enough.She also blamed society. What right did anyone have to choosewhom someone else could love? More importantly, why did she haveto pay the price for their ignorance?Morgan bit her lip as they approached Radcliff. Jeffrey ran for theschool door. He was ready to go. He was also a bit of a clown. Thishelped him cope with stress. He laughed off everything.Morgan was more confrontational, and it kept her in the principal’soffice. Silently, she was tired of fighting. She just wanted to get aneducation and make new friends. Adriana and Alfredo were goodfriends, but they were going to Saint Anne’s, the Catholic school.At this point, she would even prefer to go to Catholic school ratherthan Radcliff. Her parents were interdenominational, but did not wanther to attend a Catholic school.When they walked into the admissions office, they were greetedwith stares. Mrs. Strom was expecting two white children after shehad spoken with Mrs. Williamson. She quickly regained hercomposure and shook Mrs. Williamson’s hand.“Mrs. Williamson, I am pleased to finally meet you,” said Mrs.Strom. Mrs. Strom’s mind raced. Were the children listed asbiracial on the application? Radcliff had been an all white schoolfor so long. Only recently had they added the question on race, and itwas optional.Karen had not completed that part of the application. It was not anoversight on her part. Her children were bi-racial, and there was nobox to check for that. She would not have had her children deny theirheritage.“How was your move from Kansas City?”“We’re still settling in,” replied Mrs. Williamson. “Our furniturefinally arrived yesterday.”
UNHEARD VOICES

“Everything seems to be in order,” said Mrs. Strom. “Here are thechildren’s schedules. Martin and Shannon, will you please showJeffrey and Morgan to their homerooms?“Morgan, you will be in Mr. Washington’s class, and Jeffrey youwill be assigned to Ms. Houston’s class. Martin and Shannon will beyour peer partners for the day. They have the same schedules and willhelp you get to all of your classes. Welcome to Radcliff.“Mrs. Williamson, you will need to pick the children up after schooluntil we get them scheduled for the school bus.”“That’s not a problem Mrs. Strom. Morgan and Jeffrey, I will meetyou after school. Have a great first day!”Mrs. Strom didn’t know what to do. She had talked with Mrs.Williamson several times. She had never questioned the race of thechildren. Should she have paired them with African-Americanstudents?Since Terri Garth first attended Radcliff, a few other African-Americans had enrolled. Most of them were financially able to meetthe school requirements, which eased their transition. There was notmuch discussion said about their entrance.The Williamson children were not scholarship cases, but they werebiracial. What was their background history? Would they fit in atRadcliff? Mrs. Strom kept her thoughts to herself.The morning passed quickly. Morgan and Jeffrey had attendedprivate school since preschool, so they were well prepared forRadcliff.Morgan’s math class was well behind her previous school, so thecurrent material was a review for her. She wasn’t going to tell hermom because she would immediately have her tested for an advancedmath class. Being a new student was difficult enough without havingyour mother in the office after only one day of school!She had heard horror stories about the race issues at Radcliff, butso far, the day seemed to be going well. She wondered if that wouldchange when the students found out that her mom was white.“Morgan!” Shannon called out. “Come on, we’re sitting overhere.”
CLAUDETTE MILNER

Terri Garth looked up and saw Morgan for the first time. She hadheard the buzz around school, and she was a little envious. Terri wasostracized from the moment she entered Radcliff, while Morgan hada mentor and seemed to fit right in with her group.She wondered if it was because Morgan was biracial or becauseher parents had money. Morgan was also light-skinned with long wavyhair. Maybe they didn’t realize that she was black. Maybe theythought she was Oriental, which was funny because her eyes weren’tslanted. Latinos were accepted, so maybe they thought she wasLatino.Terri looked African-American. She had kinky hair, dark eyes, anddeep chocolate skin. Her father told her she was beautiful every day.Then she entered a world that judged beauty based on white standardsthat she didn’t meet. Her butt was too big, her lips too thick, and herskin too dark.She laughed quietly to herself. A big butt was actually in style sinceJ-Lo and Beyoncé hit the scene.Sometimes she wished she could stop time and never leave theloving environment of her home. Her mother said that it would taketime for people to accept her because she was the first African-American to integrate Radcliff. “Some people are frightened bychange,” she’d said.Things seemed to get better after the first few weeks. Somestudents left because their parents didn’t want them attending Radcliffany longer.Then she entered the speech competition and even the studentsthat seemed to accept her had turned on her. As long as she stayedin her place, people seemed to tolerate her being at Radcliff, but theydidn’t want her representing their school. Some students supportedher, but the teasing and name-calling continued.Fifteen African-American students had entered Radcliff sincethen. With every new student, the road seemed less bumpy. Herfamily always told her how proud they were that she stuck it out,despite the adversity.
UNHEARD VOICES61Terri had not tried to make a difference. In the beginning, she hadjust wanted to attend a better school. She went to classes every day,completed her assignments, and stayed in the background.It was during her first speech that she realized that she deservedto be there as much as any other student. She had been accepted toRadcliff based upon merit after she received an academicscholarship. She was not a charity case. She had a right to be there,and nobody would keep her from accomplishing her goals.She didn’t know what would happen with Morgan, but she wasgoing to make a point of making her feel welcome at Radcliff. If shedidn’t, she was just as guilty as the students that had ignored her. Terriwalked over to Morgan and Shannon’s lunch table.“Hello Shannon. I came over to introduce myself to our newstudent.” Morgan looked up and smiled. “My name is Terri Garth.Welcome to Radcliff.”“Hi, I’m Morgan Williamson. It’s nice to meet you. I was afraid Iwas walking into a battleground coming to Radcliff, but it’s been okay.From what I hear, I have you to thank you for it.”“Things have gotten better since last year, but we’ve still got a wayto go before there is total acceptance,” said Terri.“I’m not pessimistic, but I don’t think there will ever be totalacceptance of any group,” said Shannon. There will always beindividuals that practice ignorant behavior. The only thing we can hopeto accomplish is that their attitudes will eventually change and theybecome the minority.“It isn’t just racial groups that are affected by ignorance. Kidstease each other for the strangest things. We wear uniforms. My next-doorneighbor gets teased because her clothes aren’t name brand.“What you probably don’t realize Terri, is that you were one of thefirst academic scholarship winners. I was also admitted to Radcliff onan academic scholarship, but no one questioned my right to be herebecause I’m white.“There were five of us in all. We just kept quiet and stayed toourselves because we didn’t come from “the right side of town.” We
CLAUDETTE MILNER62were afraid they would call us “trailer-trash” and tease us. We didn’twant to be hassled, so we didn’t participate in after school activities.“When you made your speech, our opinions of ourselves changed.I’m an A student, and I wanted to enter the contest this year. I willconsider it a challenge, and I will be a major competitor.“I decided to be a peer counselor so I could give other students theacceptance I didn’t receive when I first came to Radcliff.”Terri was floored by Shannon’s words. She had been just as afraidto come to Radcliff as Terri. Terri had a lot of thinking to do. Maybethere was more she could do too.“Hey you guys, that’s the bell,” said Shannon. “Morgan, we haveto get going. Mrs. Duer is a stickler for punctuality, and she doesn’tmake exceptions.”“Wait up, my class is right next door. I’ll walk with you,” repliedTerri.The girl’s conversation had not solved any issues, but it was abeginning. For the first time since Terri had come to Radcliff, thedialogue had been opened. Maybe things would really change at

Radcliff.

Claudette Milner is the Author of Children of Plains Estates and the sequel "Unheard Voices":

Children of Plains Estates

Interested in reviewing My Latest Book?

Claudette Milner — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:47:25 EDT

If you would like to read and review my latest book send me an email.

The sequel "Unheard Voices": Children of Plains Estates can only be described as provocative, thought provoking, and timely. Book two will examine storylines in which no American author has dared to write about in one book for young adult readers. Milner will explore the after effects of pedophilia in the Catholic Church with a congruent storyline of a young boy molested by his father through the eyes of Alan Bates and Cuban born Alejandro Rodriquez. One survivor will go through a journey of faith while the other will seek justice in his own way. The reader will be challenged to confront his own stereotypes and prejudice against Mexican Americans. Economic lines will be drawn in this close community when a strike pits management against laborers, neighbors against neighbors. The role of the church and its own hypocrisy will be examined. The role of the Jehovah Witness during the Holocaust will be openly discussed as a Jew and a Jehovah Witness both tell their stories of survival.
My mission is global. We live in a diverse society. There are those that feel as an African American I should limit my writing to African American characters. Our country is divided among race,class, religion, and gender. I believe that the story of every child should be told. My prayer is that through my series of books the dialogue will be opened and we as a country will begin to heal.

Senator Obama opts out of Public Financing but opts in to his Constituents

Claudette Milner — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:51:54 EDT

Every Sunday morning I tune in to the political shows from 9:00 – 12:00 am. Every night I watch the local news then PBS at 6:00 to hear Shields and Brooks then switch over to world news at 6:30. Frequently at 9:00 am I switch back and forth between FOX and George and then I go on the internet to read CNN updates. I love David Brooks but I was a little chagrinned at his Fast Eddie piece. His ultimate conclusion was that Senator Obama wants to win. David, Why else would he be in this race? News Flash, Democrats want to win and we want a candidate that wants to win because he is fighting for us. A win for Senator Obama is a win for health care for our children, extended health care and educational benefits for our veterans, a solid energy proposal, a protection of Roe Vs Wade, a tax cut for the middle class, a timetable of withdrawal for our troops in Iraq and a realignment of our troops to destroy our real enemy Al-Qaida.

What has Senator Obama done by opting out of public finance? He has put his trust in his supporters. He has left the door open so that we can come to his aid if needed. By refusing a cap he has opened branches in all states. He has put volunteers in the field to fuel voter registration. He has created a grassroots surge that will take his message to Independents, Democrats and Republicans.

We all know that this race will not be a simple race of the issues. Underlying it is the question of race, the stereotypes and the fears. The only way to confront this issue is by opening up the dialogue and by meeting the candidate, talking with him and hearing his story. I believe in America. I believe that we can break down racial barriers but I do not believe the task will be easy. In order to tell his story Democrats must reach segments of the population that they have basically ignored. This will take not only advertising but grass roots activist. We that understand the complexity of this election understand that leaving 85 million on the table was not an easy decision. In order to make that kind of decision there had to be a faith in his supporters and his country that they would have his back. He believes in us and we believe in his plan for America.

While tutoring my 5 year old granddaughter and her friends I discovered children are willing to give up two hours a day of their summer vacation to study but are parents willing to give up two hours of their TV time to teach them.

Claudette Milner — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 12:11:44 EDT

While having Alexandria read to me the door bell rang and it was children from the neighborhood wanting to play. I told them that Alex was reading and if they wanted to come in they had to read also. They came in and I got out a book of fairy tales and they all took turns playing out the parts. Even Christopher my 2 year old grandson played the pig in The Little Red Hen. My grandchildren have many books so I let them each take two books home to read. Their homework is to answer questions the following day or write a synopsis of the story. The ages range from 5- 11 years old, kindergarten – 6th grades. Because of the different grade levels I decided to go to the library to get additional learning materials. Yesterday we expanded the curriculum to writing, reading and math. I found myself making snacks and checking math problems from basic addition to fractions and multiplication tables. I gave out homework since there will be no class on the weekend.

When I told them they had to read to enter I didn’t realize what I had gotten myself in to but I do know that when children are excited to learn we must do our part in teaching them. Now I just need to get organized so children aren’t dropping in all times of the day

Claudette Milner is the author of "Children of Plains Estates" and "Unheard Voices" Children of Plains Estates.

As a woman I cannot look my SONS and DAUGHTERS in the eye and say: I HAD A CHANCE TO GUARANTEE YOU HEALTH INSURANCE AND I CHOSE NOT TO VOTE. I HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO PROTECT ROW Vs WADE BUT I CHOSE NOT TO VOTE, I HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO CHOOSE TAX CUTS FOR T

Claudette Milner — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:51:27 EDT

First let me say to Senator Clinton supporters’ thank you for voting. Thank you for helping to register thousands of voters. I have read the polls and listened to the reporters but I know that we are democrats. We believe in freedom of choice, we believe that every citizen should have equal access to quality education. We believe in tax relief for all Americans not just the top 1%. We oppose this war and we want our troop’s home. We want a safer America for our children but one that does not strip us of our civil rights, lower gas and food prices, a decrease in unemployment and want to bring our jobs back to America.

I have FAITH that WOMEN will support the Democratic Party because as a woman I cannot look my sons and daughters in the eye and say: I HAD A CHANCE TO GUARANTEE YOU HEALTH INSURANCE AND I CHOSE NOT TO VOTE. I HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO PROTECT ROW V WADE BUT I CHOSE NOT TO VOTE, I HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO CHOOSE TAX CUTS FOR THE MIDDLE CLASS, AND TAX OIL COMPANIES BUT I VOTED FOR SENATOR MCCAIN, I HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO BRING THE SOLDIERS HOME BUT I VOTED TO STAY THE COURSE.

As women we have faced much adversity. We are the strength of this country. We have reared our children many times with no father present. We have cried and prayed but we have never given up. We have the opportunity to change the course of America. We owe it to our children. Please join me in making this country a land of opportunity for all Americans. Register to Vote.

Author Claudette Milner releases excerpts from her latest book "Unheard Voices" in tribute to those that died and survived the Holocaust.

Claudette Milner — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 13:26:43 EDT

Chapter 12

Three of Mrs. Downs’ history classes were reading about the

Holocaust. They were discussing the events that led up to War World

II. For the next six weeks, the classes would combine for two hours

in the media room.

Mrs. Downs looked at the children’s faces. This was a very

sensitive topic, but it was an important part of history. She wanted the

class to understand the depth of Hitler’ hatred and how he used that

hatred to manipulate a country and commit mass genocide.

She thought about recent hate crimes and knew that the potential

of a mass genocide was always possible, as long as people continued

to judge their neighbor based on their race, class, or religion. Children

that were considered outcasts, different from the main stream, were

responsible for several mass school killings. They were children in

pain. She thought if children could understand the consequences of

hatred and cruelty, a dialogue could help prevent another tragedy.

Mrs. Downs began her lecture. “Leading up to today’s lessons, we

have been discussing Hitler’s first failed revolt and how he used the

decline in the economy to turn Aryan individuals against the rest of the

population.

“Hitler took advantage of the German economic struggle to

convince the Aryan population that the Jews and other racial and

religious groups were responsible for their financial woes. He

promised more jobs, greater profits and a stronger army. He

convinced them that in order for them to be successful, they would

have to rule Germany and he would be their leader. Adolph Hitler took

office January 30, 1933 as Prime Minister of Germany.

“Hitler believed that the only group of individuals that should live

had blond hair, blue eyes, and were of Germanic heritage. These

UNHEARD VOICES

people were called Aryans. He believed in racial purity, and

superiority of the German race.

“The Holocaust was not just about Hitler’s hatred of the Jews. His

genocide extended to Romanians, Serbs, Jehovah Witnesses,

Homosexuals, Communists, the elderly, handicapped, mentally ill,

beggars, Russian prisoners of war, Gypsies, African-German

children, and individuals born deaf and blind.”

Mrs. Downs concluded her talk by reviewing a bulleted time-line.

* March 1933- the first concentration camps were opened.
* May 10, 1933- Twenty-five thousand books with “un-German”

ideas were burnt. They included books written by Albert Einstein,

Sigmund Freud, Ernest Hemingway, Sinclair Lewis, Helen Keller and

many others.

* 1935- The Nuremberg Race Laws were passed declaring that

Jews were no longer citizens of Germany. Many of them were fired

from their jobs and ordered to sell their property and businesses to

Germans at lower prices.

* March 13, 1938- Hitler took over Austria
* November 9, 1938- Kristallnacht (The Night of Broken Glass)

SS members looted Jewish stores and homes. Synagogues were

burnt. Jews were murdered.

* September 1, 1939- Nazis invade Poland.
* May 1939- Voyage of St. Louis – Nine hundred and thirty-six

passengers escaping the Nazis were denied entrance into Cuba and

the United States. The ship turned back to Europe. Passengers sought

asylum in Belgium, Holland, England and France. Only the two

hundred and eighty-eight that sought refuge in England survived the

war.

* September 1, 1941- The Nazi killing squad executed four

thousand women and children, one million Jews and hundreds of

thousands of innocent people.

* November -1941- German army moved Jews to ghettos. They

were forced to wear armbands to identify themselves as Jews. Cattle

cars were filled with a hundred people at a time, killing them with

poisonous gas. Men were led into bathhouses where poison pellets

CLAUDETTE MILNER

were dropped in through an opening in the ceiling. The bodies were

later burned. Others were shot and tortured.

* May 8, 1945- Germany surrendered. The Nazi’s had murdered

six million Jews, of which 1.5 million were children. thirty thousand

Gypsies, individuals born deaf and blind, five hundred African–

German children, Romanians, Serbs, homosexuals, communists, the

elderly, two hundred thousand handicapped, mentally ill, beggars, and

Russian prisoners-of-war.

Jennifer was in tears. “Mrs. Downs, how could this happen? Why

didn’t anyone help? Why did the United States deny the passengers

entrance into our country? We have immigrants from many countries.

Why did we let so many people die before we entered the war?”

The bell rang. Mrs. Downs hated to leave the class like this. She

called Jennifer to the front of the class after it was over and spoke with

her. She made sure she was okay, and wrote her a note to return to class.

“Class, quickly take your seats. We have two guests with us today,

Devorah Rosenberg and Maria Manning, both survivors of the

Holocaust. Children, please welcome our guests. I will let each visitor

introduce herself.”

“Good morning. First of all, thank you Mrs. Downs, for inviting me

to tell my story.

UNHEARD VOICES

“I was born in Germany in 1925. I am Jewish. My father owned

a neighborhood bookstore. I had two brothers, Daniel and Aaron.

“Our lives were filled with joy until 1933 when Hitler took office.

Hitler blamed my people for all of the economic problems in Germany.

He ran on a platform based on hatred for any group that was not what

he considered to be the perfect race.

“At first, people continued to shop at our store. In March of 1933,

people were prohibited from buying from Jewish stores. That May,

Nazis broke into my father’s store, threw all the books into the street,

and burned them.

“My parents were brave. I heard them cry all night in their room.

My father had no other livelihood. We were barely surviving. Hitler

had opened concentration camps in Dacha, Germany not far from us.

I was afraid we would be next to leave our homes. My father was

trying to get us out of Germany. He still had a few connections.

“In 1935, a law was passed declaring that Jews were no longer

citizens of Germany. All Jews were fired from their jobs and forced

to sell their business and their property. The Nazis forced us to sell our

property for almost nothing. Our only hope of survival was to leave the

country.

“The Nazis came for my father and brothers first. I watched as

they put them in a freight car with many other people and drove away.

My mother and I ran after the car crying, knowing that it might be the

last time we saw the rest of our family.

“The car stopped down the road. At first we thought they had

changed their minds, and were going to allow them to stay with their

families. We waited for what seemed like hours, and then saw them

drag out dead bodies and load them onto a truck.

“My mother screamed. I collapsed in my mother’s arms not truly

understanding what had happened. My mother tried to get me away

from the scene before I saw my brothers and father’s dead bodies

dragged out onto the street. As I saw them bringing out my brothers,

I froze. I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. All I could see was

my brothers’ faces.

CLAUDETTE MILNER

“The Nazis took the rest of us to the ghetto. My father had hidden

what little money we had to help my mother barter her way out of

Germany. It was a long wait, but finally we were smuggled out of the

country.

“By this time, there was no escape from Hitler’s reign. He had

seized most of Europe. We prayed that we would escape death at the

hands of the exterminators. We knew we could just as easily die from

starvation as execution.

“My mother was very ill and couldn’t hang on any longer. She

knew her fate, so she took her own life rather than die at the hands of

the Nazis.

“I was left an orphan. My aunt did her best to feed and care for me

as if I were her own. Many of the young girls were raped by the Nazis

and forced to work as their maids.

“That is how I survived until the end of the war. I cooked and

cleaned the gatehouse for my keep. I would sneak food back to the

camp for as many as I could help. After the war, I was able to leave

and come to the United States with my aunt. It was only then that I

was able to mourn the death of my family and many friends.”

As Mrs. Rosenberg told her story, the children saw tears in her

eyes. At certain moments she would pause, gather her composure,

and begin again. Jennifer went up to Mrs. Rosenberg and hugged her.

They just looked at each other as tears rolled down their cheeks. Mrs.

Downs gave Mrs. Rosenberg a few minutes before they continued.

Later, Mrs. Downs introduced Mrs. Manning. Mrs. Manning had

blue eyes and blond hair. She looked like the people that Hitler

described as “perfect.” Why was she here? Why was she a Holocaust

survivor?

“My name is Maria Manning. I am a Holocaust survivor. I was

born in Germany in 1925. My family and I are Jehovah’s Witnesses.

My father was a religious man. In our religion, we believe that all races

are equal in the sight of God. Jehovah’s Witnesses do not support any

movement motivated by racial or ethnic hatred.

“When Hitler took over as chancellor of Germany, my father was

one of the first to speak out. He would not support “Hitler’s campaign

UNHEARD VOICES

of hatred.” We knew that the time would come when my father would

be forced to pledge his allegiance to Hitler or be arrested. We knew

my father would never join Hitler’s army.

“We continued to meet with other Witnesses and spread our word.

My mother wanted my father to hide, but he refused. My mother

would not support Hitler, but she wanted her family to be safe.

“Finally the day came that my father would make the ultimate

choice. The SS men banged on the door. They spoke with my father.

He refused to join the army and was arrested. He was labeled an

enemy of the state. My family was sent to a concentration camp. The

Nazis felt that in time they could break my father’s spirit.

“Five thousand, nine hundred and eleven Jehovah Witnesses were

arrested from 1933 to 1935. Over two thousand were executed. My

father and brothers were executed on March 24, 1934. I survived,

despite malnutrition and bad living conditions. It is as true now as it was

then, just like Mrs. Rosenberg, that my faith has sustained me.”

“Thank you so much for coming to our class Mrs. Rosenberg and

Mrs. Manning. If you don’t mind, the children have some questions.”

Rita raised her hand. “Mrs. Rosenberg, do you hate Germans?”

asked Rita.

“I won’t lie to you,” replied Mrs. Rosenberg. “The day I saw my

father and brothers murdered, I hated the Nazis with everything in me.

I wanted to kill them. Thank God my mother was a woman of great

faith. She would not allow me to retaliate. I finally realized that if I

continued to hate, then I was no better than my father’s executor.

“Mrs. Manning, I know that your dad was a religious person, but

you were a child. How did you feel about your father’s sacrifice? Did

you feel cheated?” asked Randy. “I mean if your dad had joined the

army, he might still be alive.”

“Although I was young,” replied Mrs. Manning, “I respected and

believed in the doctrine of the church. My dad was the head of our

household. If he had compromised his beliefs, then our religious beliefs

would have been founded on a lie. If my father had turned his back on

his religion to save his family, he would have been dead to himself. My

CLAUDETTE MILNER

father would not have shot another man or pledged allegiance to Hitler,

even if it resulted in his own death.”

The bell rang and the children slowly exited the class. Jennifer

stood in the doorway thinking. It was too much information to process

at one time. The scariest part of the lesson was that even today there

are people that hate others based on their color, religion, or class.

People hated people just because they were different.

Mrs. Downs always said if we did not study history, it would repeat

itself. Would there be another Holocaust in our lifetime? She prayed. silently that we would learn

from our past.

Unemployment rises, gas prices are up $11.00 a barrel, food prices are soaring, we still have no exit plan for Iraq, Today Senator Clinton takes an important step in uniting the Democratic Party; However the bigger picture is to unite Republicans, Indepen

Claudette Milner — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 12:33:25 EDT

While reading excerpts from my book: “Unheard Voices”: Children of Plains Estates I came upon this passage. When I wrote this storyline in 2006 I did not realize that it would be a preview of what was to come in the current election.

“As a registered Republican, he had watched the presidentialelection closely. He felt President Bush had let him and his familydown for the last four years.For the first time, he was torn between the importances of nationalsecurity and the need for a president that understood the problems ofworking class America. He voted for a strong national security, andended up fighting for better insurance benefits for his family. At thenext election, he would put the immediate needs of his family first.”

The polls say that a large percentage of Senator Clinton supporters will not vote for Senator Obama or will not vote at all. I am a woman. I watched my mother obtain her degree at 45 years of age only to be faced with gender, race and age discrimination. I have two daughters and a granddaughter. I not only believe that the Democratic Party will be united but I believe that Independents and Republicans will support the Democratic Party because Senator McCain is not in touch with the reality that is America. Americans are struggling and yet Senator McCain wants to continue tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans. Although gas and food prices are soaring Senator McCain was a no show on the vote for the stimulus package. Senator McCain said yesterday that he would support cell phone tapping for all citizens when traveling because it is the law. I want a President that will fight for my civil rights and also invoke legislation to will keep the country secure in times of legitimate threats. Senator McCain wants to give tax breaks for voluntary health insurance. Senator Obama wants to make sure that our children are insured then work toward universal health care. Senator Obama wants to bring our troops home within 16 months, Senator McCain wants to bring our troops home in 5 years and then leave troops in Iraq. I want our troops home in a peaceful and strategic way in 16 months so that we can begin to fight our real enemy.

Senator McCain made a statement that we were at presurge levels in Iraq last week. Although his statement was not accurate he refused to retract his statement. It brings to mind another president that has never admitted that the so- called facts that led to the war in Iraq were exaggerated and that the war has been a debacle. Thousands of lives have been lost and yet he will take no accountability for his mistakes. We need a president that is honest with the American people that are willing to omit a mistake because only then can it be corrected. The war in Iraq has strengthened Iran. It has strengthened Al-Qaida. The strengthening of Iran has caused them to be a threat to Israel. Mistakes will be made but we cannot afford to have a President that can not admit it. We have too much at stake.

I invite all Americans to join us in restoring America to greatness. We must win this election for the sake of our children, our soldiers, our poor, and all Americans. It is no longer about party affiliation it is about joining together to create one nation under God and changing the course of America.

Super Delegates Must End the Debate with an Overwhelmimg Majority Vote for Senator Obama so we can prepare to take back the America that we Love.

Claudette Milner — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:59:10 EDT

Americans are in fighting in three wars, Afghanistan and Iraq and a domestic war on our own soil and now a war between the democrats. I woke up this morning envisioning a nightmare. After June 3rd Senator Clinton vows to fight until the conference. Her platform will be the Michigan delegates that went to Senator Obama and the 4 votes that she lost. The only way to shut down her argument is an overwhelming vote by the super delegates that will negate the 56 votes making her argument moot. The popular vote issue is already moot. The presidential candidate is decided based on delegate count. Although we are to believe that laws change depending on whether the candidate is winning or losing a large majority of Americans believe in laws.

For two years my family has been driving my granddaughter to school across town to school. I have spoke with many parents that are also driving a great distance to insure a quality education for their children. With the price of gas parents have to consider not only the cost of education but can they afford the gas. Employees have to consider their place of employment based on the available transportation. It is difficult to work a minimum wage job and provide for one’s family if the job is off the bus line or if it takes more money to get to work than you make during the week. Food prices are soaring. Electric bills are rising with the intense heat of the summer. Health insurance for family policies is rising and there is no help available for struggling families. There once was a choice of health insurance and day care. Now the choice is health insurance or gas and food. We are the richest country in the world and we have a massive homeless population. Our enlisted men are coming home without the proper medical care. Shelters in North Carolina are turning away 100-150 people a day. We cannot afford to continue this internal battle between the candidates. The future of America is at stake and we pray that the Super delegates will make the best decision for our country and let us move on to victory in November.

Message to Senators Obama and Clinton

Claudette Milner — Tue, 27 May 2008 12:10:45 EDT

If Senator Obama or Senator Clinton say that they loss a particular primary due to race or gender they would fail to examine their own strengths and weaknesses as a candidate, which could lead to failure in the general election. In this critical election there is no room for excuses and stereotypes instead it is time for Senator Clinton to examine her campaign, her political strategy during the caucuses, and President Clinton’s role in alienating voters. It is time for Senator Obama to visit the churches of West Virginia, and Kentucky, to visit the factories that are up for sale in Kentucky and the coal mines of West Virginia. It is time to reach across party lines and get to know all voters of this country. Americans are united in wanting a change in this country. In fact we are demanding a change. We have to leave a legacy for the younger generation. It must be that every American has an opportunity to achieve their goals. Never let anyone give you an excuse to fail. We must all examine ourselves and meet the challenge. This country can transcend race and gender. It is the only formula for greatness.

Many times I feel that a message is stronger if it is in words. I am releasing two chapters of my latest book "Unheard Voices" :Children of Plains Estates.

Chapter 16

Jesus went into the store to fill out a job application. It was offseasonand he needed to make some extra money. He was fifteennow, and he didn’t want to ask his mother for money. Jesus made surehe was dressed neatly, and that his penmanship could be clearly readbefore the interview.His mother had always taught him to make a good impression. Shecautioned him to always speak English during the entire interview. Ifthey were looking for bi-lingual cashiers, then let them know you speakfluent Spanish.When the interviewer came out, Jesus stood up to shake his hand,just like his mother had taught him. The interviewer ignored his handand sat down at the table.“Before I begin this interview, Jesus is it? I have to ask; are youin this country legally? I can’t afford to have any more immigrationproblems. I mean, you’re hard workers and come cheap, but I haveto look out for fake green cards. You know what I mean?”Jesus knew to keep his composure. He needed this job. “Sir, mymother is an American citizen. I’m an American citizen. I have mybirth certificate and my social security card with me.”Jesus had been humiliated in front of the people at the surroundingtables. The man was talking loud enough that everyone could hear.Some even smirked when he asked the question.His father lived in Mexico. He came across the border every springto work the crops in order to take care of his family in Mexico. Hisparents had never married. His father had a wife and children inMexico. The part of Mexico that his father was from was very poor.He worked for little money picking fruit during the harvest season sothat he could feed his family during the winter months.

119UNHEARD VOICES

Immigration went easy on the immigrants during harvest timebecause they were cheap labor, but as soon as the harvest was overthey would crack down. He knew his father was wrong, but there wasno other way for him to feed his family.Sometimes Jesus resented the illegal immigrants because the onlyMexicans you heard about on the news or in the papers were thosethat entered the country illegally.His mother worked for a furniture store that had a large Hispanicclientele. They even had Hispanic salesmen. You never heard aboutMexicans like his mother. If you did, it would change attitudes andmake working conditions better for Hispanics.Americans resented Hispanics. They thought of them as jobstealers. In reality, Americans don’t want to work most of the jobsgiven to Hispanics and wouldn’t accept the wages that they earn.Hispanics worked harder because they wanted to prove that theydeserved to be in this country and treated equally. Jesus didn’t wantto work for men like this one, but until times changed he would holdhis tongue and be respectful.“Everything looks in order. The manager is out today, so you cancome in tomorrow and he will interview you. Can you come back, ordo you have to meet with your gang?”“I can come back tomorrow sir,” replied Jesus. “It will have to beafter school.”“I thought you all dropped out of school by your age,” he chuckled.“Come back around four o’clock.”Jesus did not discuss the interview with his mother. He only told herthat he had a second interview at four o’clock.Jesus went to the court to shoot some hoops. He looked on thesecond court, and saw John Humphrey. They played basketballtogether at Thomas Jefferson High School.John was pretty cool. They had never associated outside ofbasketball practice, but he got along well with everyone on the team.Since John was black, maybe he would understand what Jesus felt.Jesus was sensitive about people grouping all Hispanics together.The Cubans were Castro’s throwaways and Mexicans were illegal.

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Growing up he was told that blacks were lazy, didn’t want to work,drank, and lived on welfare. Jews were stingy, money hungry, andcontrolled all of Hollywood. Asians were smart. They didn’t respectother minorities. They thought they were better, different. Theyowned all the wig stores and beauty supply shops. They were prettysmart though, because all the girls were wearing weaves. Jesusthought this was a good move.Whites were paranoid. They blamed all their economic problemson other races. If they couldn’t find a job, it was because ofAffirmative Action. Jesus’ mom said it was always somebody’s fault.He had found those stereotypes were just as wrong as the stereotypesabout Hispanics.After he started reading the paper, he made an observation. Themedia played on these stereotypes. They used them to keepeverybody upset so they forgot about the real issues, like Iraq and theeconomy. His friends, for the most part, were Hispanics.John seemed to have many friends outside his race. As long as weallowed the prejudices of a few to keep us distracted, we were nevergoing to learn from each other.I would like to own a shopping center like the Asians. Maybeinstead of resenting them, I could learn from them and become anentrepreneur myself. Maybe instead of trying to work for a racist, Ican apply for a job at the beauty supply store. He wondered if the guyson the team would think he was a sissy. He thought about it. He saidto himself, “Man you need to check yourself.” He guessed we wereall racist in some way.Jesus walked over to speak with John.“Hey John, do you want to shoot a few baskets?” asked Jesus.“Sure, I’m trying to stay in shape during the off-season. I usuallyshoot with my dad and Tommy, but my dad had a heart attack and I’vebeen staying close to home. He’s doing better now, so I’ll be outmore,” replied John. “I didn’t know you practiced on these courts.Maybe we can meet up and play sometime.”“I’d like that, but I just applied for a job at Sheltons,” said Jesus. “IfI get the job, I’m not sure how much time I will have to play between

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work and homework. My mom said I could only work if it doesn’taffect my grades.”“You too? I thought I was the only one on the team with a mom withan iron club over my head.”They both laughed.“John can I talk to you about something?” asked Jesus.“My jump shot is a secret,” replied John. No really, come on overto the table and we’ll talk.”“When I went to the interview, the employee that took myapplication was a racist. He suggested that I was illegally in thecountry and that I had obtained fake identification. I have a secondinterview tomorrow. Should I go, or just walk away?” asked Jesus.What would you do?”“Man, my dad grew up in the south. He went through a lot. The onething he always said was, ‘don’t let the ignorance of one person orgroup give you an excuse not to succeed’.“Go to the interview. Even if you don’t get the job, you didn’t lethim stop you from applying. He wanted you to quit and not come back.Then he would have said you didn’t want to work, and he would havea reason not to hire other Hispanics.“Don’t give him an easy way out. Continue to be professionalthroughout the interview process, and don’t allow him to bait you. I’msure you will do fine. Come on, so I can dust you on the court.”Jesus and John played two games of twenty-one. They exchangedtelephone numbers and promised to talk at school.Jesus walked into Sheltons for his interview. He braced himself.He knew it was with the store manger. He prepared for the worst andhoped for the best. A young lady came and advised him that themanager would meet with him in the office.Jesus walked into the room. The manager stood up and extendedhis hand.“I’m pleased to meet you, Jesus. My name is Jose Gonzales.

Please sit down and we’ll begin the interview process.”

Chaper 18

Jose got to Sheltons early and opened up the store. He had beenwith Sheltons for ten years. He had worked his way up from cashierto restaurant manager. He had attended community college and takenall the management-training classes the store had to offer.He was lucky. Sheltons had a mentorship program at the highschool. They came to the school and said that they were looking forindividuals that were willing to work in fast food after school.Jose had jumped on it. He lived in a poor neighborhood and this washis way out. He remembered them showing him the pay scale for areamanagers. He never thought he would be able to make that kind ofmoney. In order to enter the mentorship program, one had to keep aB average at school, be at work on time, and get above averagereviews.Jose had been an average student, but now he had an incentive toget good grades. Jose thrived under the leadership of Thomas Gains.Thomas was from the neighborhood. He had gone to college andreturned as an area manager of Sheltons. He wanted to give back tothe community by creating a vehicle for others to becomeeconomically empowered.Sheltons paid for Jose’s education. He worked hard. He had beenat the same store for ten years. No one else wanted to stay in theneighborhood. Thomas Gains had asked him to take over the stores inthis area as a personal favor. He could not turn down the one personthat had probably saved his life.Oregon was not like New York City. He knew there would besome adjustments, but he was not prepared for the open hostility. Hewould not assume it was because he was Hispanic, because he wouldset himself up for failure.Several individuals had applied for this position. He was currentlyworking with two of the individuals.

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He was immediately made aware of the incident that happened inthe store with Jesus Ramirez. He had not decided on how to handleit. Nathaniel took out his resentment of Jose getting the job by lashingout at Jesus. What he did was just cause for termination, but Joseviewed termination as an easy way out. He would call a meeting ofthe assistant managers when the shift started, and go over Sheltonsdiscrimination policy. He hoped this would send a warning to the staffthat there was a zero tolerance policy for this behavior.Sheltons had always believed in equal employment. They did notimplement it because law required it. They simply believed it was theright thing to do.Jose called the meeting for after the breakfast rush and thetransition staff came in to prepare for the lunch rush.“Nathaniel, Greta, get yourselves a cup of coffee or drink of choiceand we’ll get started,” said Jose. “Now that we’re all settled, my firstarea of concern is to insure we’re in compliance with hiring practicesunder the equal employment laws. The law requires that we do notdiscriminate in our hiring practices. Sheltons has a zero tolerancepolicy against discrimination. Violation of this policy will result inimmediate termination.“Does anyone have any questions? I am reviewing this policy because we will begin a mentoring program in these stores. much likethe model started in the north.”“I guess we are going to have an affirmative action program now,”smirked Nathaniel.“No.” responded Jose. “I have been with Sheltons for over tenyears. We have never had to implement an affirmative action policy.We have always been willing to give anyone that wanted to work anopportunity. We hire individuals, not certain race groups.“I think our policy speaks for itself. We have a diverse work force.We have a mentorship program that actively recruits individuals fromthe communities where we are located, providing employmentopportunities and educational scholarships to all of our constituents.“We contribute to the community by keeping the profits in thecommunity and providing jobs and incentive programs. We have

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created a model that has been copied in many other cities. If we couldget all of corporate America to join us, there would be no lack of jobs.More importantly, some of the kids that drop out of school would notgive in to a sense of hopelessness.“We treat every applicant with dignity and respect. I would likeboth of you to review the files of current employees and match up theirqualifications with the qualifications of the mentorship program andmake recommendations.”“What if they don’t meet the qualifications?” asked Greta. “Canwe make exceptions?”“No. If they are truly interested, they will raise their standards tomeet the program guidelines. We are looking for individuals that wewill invest time in training, and pay for their education. Only the seriousneed apply. They can reapply every six months until they meet thecriteria.“We are a team. It is important that we adhere to all store policies.It’s up to the management team to set an example. I expect no lessthan total compliance from my staff. This is a new store for me, so Iwill depend on each of you to help me get adjusted.“Thank you for your help. Greta, can you run the floor while I speakwith Nathaniel please?” asked Jose.“Nathaniel, can you tell me what happened when you interviewedJesus Ramirez?” asked Jose.“Mr. Ramirez came in to fill out an application. I reviewed hisapplication, verified his age and ability to work in the US, and advisedhim to come back for a follow-up interview,” responded Nathaniel.“We received several complaints from our customers. You wereheard making derogatory remarks against Hispanics. We have adiverse customer base. You insulted our customer base and a potentialemployee. Can you explain your behavior?”“I admit I was out of line and I do owe Mr. Ramirez an apology.It won’t happen again.”“Mr. Ramirez will begin training on Tuesday. I expect you toapologize to him. Can I count on you?”“Certainly. I owe you an apology too,” replied Nathaniel.

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“We will consider this a verbal warning for violation of companypolicy. It will not go into your personnel file unless the action isrepeated. Thank you for your time,” said Jose. Take a few minutesNathaniel, before you come out on the floor.”Nathaniel let out a sign of relief. He thought he had blown his jobfor sure. Jose didn’t have to be so generous. He knew his behaviorcould have resulted in immediate termination.This was the second time he had been turned down for areamanger. He needed the money. He had children in private school andanother baby on the way.Jose was right. Sheltons had been good to him. He had applied tothe mentorship program six years ago. They had given him anopportunity. He would get his chance if he didn’t blow it.He knew why Jose had gotten the job. He had ten years experiencein a major market, and he had the ability to build a team. Sheltons wassupplying the opportunity. He had to choose to step up to the plate. Hehad only himself to blame for not being area manager.He had been offered positions in other states, but he didn’t wantto move. Jose had moved across the country. Greta had moved herefrom Washington. He had to make some decisions about his future.He either had to look for another job, or adopt a new work ethic. Adecision had to be made.Jesus saw John walking down the hall towards him. John stoppedto say hello.“Hey Jesus, how did the interview go?” asked John.“I got the job. I’ll be working after school and on the weekends tillthe season starts. Then they’ll work with me,” responded Jesus.“Are they still hiring? I need some extra money. I’ll have to talk tomy parents, but if they approve I think I’ll fill out an application. I stillwant to get together with you and shoot some hoops. Let me knowwhen you’re available.”“Sure thing. By the way John, thanks for the advice. It reallyhelped,” responded Jose.“Anytime. Sorry, I have to hurry. My next class is all the wayacross campus,” said John as he ran off to class.

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“Jesus, what were you doing talking to John Humphrey?” askedJacob. He’s a basketball star and probably taking remedial classes.You don’t have anything in common with him.”“Actually we have a lot in common. He’s a starter on the juniorvarsity team, but he’s not taking remedial classes. He’s taking theadvanced engineering curriculum. I know because he competed in thescience fair last year with Walter and won.”“So what? Are you going to hang out with his kind now?” askedJacob.“John is a nice guy. He helped me out yesterday. You are myhomeboy, but it’s okay to meet other people too. It makes us morediversified.”“Diversified, I like the sound of that. That’s all right.” They bothlaughed.“We’d better get to class before we both end up in the office,”replied Jesus.John talked to his parents about applying for a part-time job atSheltons. They both agreed that he was old enough to work as long ashe kept his grades up.John left home in a shirt and tie. His mom helped him with a resume.It was mainly filled with his academic history, clubs and extracurricularactivities. John walked into Sheltons and requested anapplication. He went to the table and filled it out.Both men saw John come into the store. Jose was there so hewould interview him. John returned his application. Jose looked it over,and then handed it to Nathaniel. “His resume looks as if he would bean asset to our team. Why don’t you interview him and let me knowwhat you think?”Nathaniel reviewed the resume and walked out to the dining room.He shook John’s out stretched hand.“Hello, Mr. Humphrey. My name is Nathaniel Hendricks. I’ll beinterviewing you today. Will you follow me back to the office?”

Message to Senator Clinton

Claudette Milner — Sat, 10 May 2008 14:26:27 EDT

I would be telling a fib if I said that I support you as a candidate. I doubt your integrity and credibility. You really gave me food for thought when you tried to pander Democrats with a promise of a repeal of the gas tax. I like 98% of Americans are struggling to buy gas but I am not stupid enough to think that the repeal would filter down to me or that it would be anything more than a band aid rather than a solution to solve our energy and gas crisis. Now after losing in North Carolina and squeaking by in Indiana, you once again play the race card. Did you mention in USA Today that you have failed to get more than 10% of the African American vote and much to your dismay the Democrats cannot win without support. Did you fail to mention that you have failed to get the independent vote or the youth vote or the college educated vote? You failed to mention that 60% of Democrats don’t trust you. They question your credibility. While President Clinton made over 1 million dollars supporting the Columbian Trade Act you want us to believe that you will side with working class Americans to defeat this bill. The other major issue is why you refuse to release the donors for the foundation? What are you hiding? How many special interests have been promised favors for their donations? Your answer is the list will be revealed after I am president when the country has lost the opportunity to know the truth. Is the country willing to take that risk? The country has too many problems to tackle without trying to fight another Clinton scandal.

Senator Clinton, I respect your tenacity. This is your life long dream. It was mapped out by you and President Clinton. It’is difficult to give up a dream. I can understand why you continue in the race but if you truly love America, you would be working to unite the Democratic Party instead of dividing it. The ultimate answer is in the hands of the Super delegates. This election is a must win for Democrats. We must be united. Allowing the race to continue beyond June 10th will be a detriment to the party. Senator Clinton you are determined to win at any cost but this race is not about you. It is about what’is best for the country.

Author Claudette Milner speaks out on the Issues of Race and Class, not from the view point of a woman, an African American, a Christian, a representative of the Working Class but as an American. Can America Overcome its History in Order to Build a United

Claudette Milner — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:20:19 EDT

When I walked into the Charlotte Airport in-route to Las Vegas to attend a book signing I was pointed out as I began going through the security checkpoint. I had stopped earlier so that I could reorganize my bookstand so I attributed my actions to be the cause of the heightened security. They took my baggage and checked me and I continued my trip. When I got to the next stop I was steered to a line where I was checked again, made to go thru a glass checkpoint and sprayed then saw that they were wiping down my purse. A passenger seeing my confused look explained to me that my boarding pass had been stamped and this is why I was going through the additional security. As soon as I was released tears came to my eyes. I called my mom and my daughters. I am a worker, a grandmother and a mother. I was reared by a retired military sergeant. I love this country. How could they treat me like this? I was hurt.

America has a history of racism, classism, gender and religious prejudice. The media has assisted in dividing the country by race and by class. During this election the media has played the race card and the gender card. It has initiated a divide in class and among women and men. It has asked the question why Senator Obama cannot get the white working class vote but refused to answer the question truthfully.

Throughout history white males have been the dominant race. They got the best jobs, were paid the highest salaries and reaped the greatest rewards by virtue of their skin color. Women and people of color were discriminated against in the work force. In order to alleviate the history of discrimination Affirmative Action laws were enacted. White males were told that the reason they were losing jobs was because less qualified people of color and women were given preferential treatment. African Americans were told that the Hispanics were taking all their jobs. This sentiment led to a separation of the race and created a stricter separation of class leading to an anger among those that felt they had been wronged. Many manufacturing jobs have been eliminated, not because of race but because of NAFTA, and advanced technology. When white working class voters look at Senator Obama they see a symbol of limited possibilities and blocked opportunities thereby they choose to vote for Senator Clinton. In the general election they will see Senator Clinton as a symbol of blocked opportunities and will vote for Senator McCain because he is a symbol that reflects the America that they want to maintain.

I have watched this election closely. I have seen the tapes of Rev. Wright played over and over. I have seen the negative ads and all the debates. In spite of all the negativity I believe in America. I believe that because the Republicans have made such a mess of this country that we will be able to transcend race and class bias and bigotry, that we will be able to see clearly that Senator Obama is a man of great integrity. He is multicultural, a white mother and an African father. His mother reared him as a single parent while she was on food stamps. Like Booker T. Washington he pulled himself up by his boot straps, and became what W.E.B Dubois would call one of the talented tenth. Despite receiving an Ivy League education he chose to postpone law school and become a community activist.

“Remembering the values of empathy and service that his mother taught him, Barack put law school and corporate life on hold after college and moved to Chicago in 1985, where he became a community organizer with a church-based group seeking to improve living conditions in poor neighborhoods plagued with crime and high unemployment. The group had some success, but Barack had come to realize that in order to truly improve the lives of people in that community and other communities, it would take not just a change at the local level, but a change in our laws and in our politics. He went on to earn his law degree from Harvard in 1991, where he became the first African-American president of the Harvard Law Review. Soon after, he returned to Chicago to practice as a civil rights lawyer and teach constitutional law. Finally, his advocacy work led him to run for the Illinois State Senate, where he served for eight years. In 2004, he became the third African American since Reconstruction to be elected to the U.S. Senate. “

Senator Obama has been labeled an elitist by some but in actuality he represents not Affirmative Action but the principles of the American Dream. He has the courage to tell America the truth about it takes to succeed because this has been the road he has traveled. His mother did not have the privilege of great health care, nor did he grow up in a life of privilege. His campaign is one of hope. It calls for us to unite as one to solve the problems of our country. I encourage you to become color –blind and vote for the candidate that will help us make this country great.

I would like to introduce you to Claudette Milner. Ms. Milner is an author and
speaker. She is an awesome, dynamic and provocative personality who has published two books and is working on the third of a series of what will be five. Ms. Milner isn't flamboyant, doesn't
speak loudly but when she does speak her words impact the hearer’s hearts and minds.
I invite you to get to know Claudette Milner by visiting her website, chatting with
her on her blog, attending one of her scheduled events and purchasing one of her two
books. This wonderful and wise woman of faith is very much in demand locally and
nationally and would be a great choice for a speaker at an event you or someone you
know may be sponsoring this coming year.

March 17, 2004 --From the mouths of Babes! Betsie's Literary Page. Claudette Milner's novel, Children of Plains Estates is the perfect definition for the melting pot called "America." Review of “Unheard Voices”: Children of Plains Estates -This prolific writer has stepped up her game in her new novel "Unheard Voices": Children of plains Estates. Ms. Milner continues the story lines of Children of Plains Estates while incorporating new characters into the equation. The reader is once again challenged to face their own stereotypes about class, religion, and gender. This writer's strength is that she is able to make you feel the pain and emotions of each character while bringing understanding to their plight. Her message is clear. Until we listen to the unheard voices our children cannot begin to heal. This is an exceptional piece of work by a relatively unknown author. Once again the cliff hanger leaves you waiting on her next book

On April 3, A Former priest was taken into custody after being wanted on five counts of taking indecent liberties with a minor. April 15th – The Pope Visits America – Controversial author Claudette Milner releases excerpts from her newly released book “Un

Claudette Milner — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:26:39 EDT

When I was five years old I saw and I did not tell. I protected a family member as best I could. I refused to leave the room. Much later I would once again try to protect this same person but I was too late and the scars are still present. When we finally found our voice the survivor was accused of bringing it on herself. We were devastated. Her pain became mine, her tears became mine. The abuser is now dead but the pain remains still. He never said I apologize. It wasn’t your fault. To survivors of sexual abuse, I write not to bring back your pain but for you to know that it was not your fault. God has given me this story for you and the answers for the church. It is time for the Pope to apologize, to own up to the responsibility of the church to protect the innocence of our children. This must be done for the church to heal. Alan looked around as he entered the courtroom with his mother,Janice Bates. It wasn’t as he’d pictured it. The walls were painted adreary shade of gray, and the overwhelming quiet startled him. Hewanted to scream, “Guilty, guilty, my father is guilty!” over and over,until even the spirits knew he’d been violated. His small body shiveredas he thought back to the first time his father, Robert Bates, hadtouched him.Bath time had always been fun for Alan. He would play with histoy boats, and then his mother would come in and make sure he hadactually washed. One day, the routine changed. Janice took anevening job, so now Alan’s father would be the inspector.“Dad,” Alan said, “I finished washing. I’m ready to get out now.”Robert picked up a washcloth and began to wash Alan’s body. Helingered as he moved across his private parts, and Alan felt his bodystiffen.This was the beginning of Alan’s nightmare. Each night his fatherwould stroke him just a little longer. Alan knew it was wrong, but whowas he going to tell?One night Robert asked Alan to touch him. Reluctantly he did, ashe watched his father close his eyes and moan.Alan threw up that night, until there was nothing left in his stomach.Janice’s voice drifted down the hall, as she arrived home from work.He knew she must have had heard him retching. His mind raced withquestions. What should I say? Do I tell her my dad’s a bad man?His father tried to reassure him it was natural, that he waspreparing him for manhood. He told Alan it was “a guy thing,” butAlan’s gut told him it was perverted. His dad had never lied to himthough, as far as he knew. Alan decided not to tell his mother.CLAUDETTE MILNER8Janice finally went back to working days. When Robert continuedto monitor bath time, Janice wondered why he stayed during the entireprocess. He said it was because Alan played too much and neededsupervision. She questioned Alan, but he denied anything was wrong.One night during bath time, Janice burst into the bathroom. Roberthad forgotten to lock the door. He was on his knees, stroking himselfwhile he watched Alan bathe. Janice quickly covered Alan with atowel and sent him to his room.They argued all night. Janice threatened to go to the police. In themorning, Robert moved out. Janice cried. Alan knew his mother wasfeeling torn about what to do. She was a devout Christian and didn’tbelieve in divorce.The congregation at church gossiped about the Bates’ situation.No one there but the minister knew what was going on. He tried toconvince Janice to pray about it and remain in the marriage, but shehad been determined to end it. A part of her still loved her husband,but she knew she had to protect Alan and his younger sister, Christina,so she filed for divorce.Robert threatened to destroy Janice if she tried to get sole custodyof the kids. He assured her that his error in judgment would neverhappen again. He had lost her and his children. He said he was trulysorry.Janice honestly believed it was over. Robert had visitation twoweekends each month. At first it was okay. Alan locked the doorwhen he took a bath and Robert didn’t bother him, but he never sleptwell those weekends. He was always afraid it would begin again.When Alan went home, he was exhausted. Janice would questionhim after each visit. As soon as he began to get comfortable with thevisits, it started again. This time, Alan knew it was wrong. He alsoknew his parents had divorced because of it.Alan told his father that he would tell his mother. Robert laughed.“If you tell your mother, I’ll take you and your sister away from her.You will never see her again. Your mom works as a cleaning lady. Shecan’t provide for you by herself. No judge would give hercustody.”UNHEARD VOICES9Alan felt trapped. He could never allow his father to touch hissister. The situation worsened. The sexual acts became more lewd.Then his father did the unspeakable. He penetrated Alan’s body.“It hurts, it hurts!” he screamed. He remembered thinking, Godplease hear my cry. Alejandro Hernandez was glad the strike had finally been resolvedand everything would return to normal. He was hoping the relocationwould provide his family with a new beginning.Mr. Hernandez was a political refuge from Cuba. Like manypolitical refugees, he had maintained a professional position in Cuba.Unfortunately, that status meant nothing in the United States. Hehad started working as a groundskeeper, then as a factory worker.Although he had a degree in business administration, he went to nightschool and finally returned to working in human resources.His family was devoutly Catholic, and their faith in God had carriedthem through the difficult times. Mr. Hernandez wanted his sonAlfredo to continue as an alter boy at church. Alfredo was not veryenthusiastic, but he wanted to please his parents.Alejandro had proudly mentioned that Father Benjamin wasmentoring their son. Maybe Alfredo would become a priest. He hadsmiled. Maybe his son would prove to be stronger-willed than himself.He had married early in order to obey the will of God, but celibacy wasnot for him.Mr. Hernandez came to regret his request. He spent many nightscrying out, bewildered how the God that he loved could allow thisterrible thing to have happened to his son.It was several months before Alejandro found out that FatherBenjamin at the church was molesting Alfredo. At first he thoughtmaybe his son misunderstood, until he took him to the doctor and it wasconfirmed.His wife told him there had been rumors about Father Benjamin,but none had been substantiated. Mr. Hernandez immediately went tothe bishop. The bishop assured him that it would be taken care of, andCLAUDETTE MILNER82not to worry. He was told that Father Benjamin was seekingcounseling, and the church was dealing with the issue.After speaking with the bishop, Mr. Hernandez found out thatother priests had known that Father Benjamin was molesting childrenand had remained silent. Mr. Hernandez immediately got an attorneyand filed a complaint.The church settled out of court. Mr. Hernandez prayed for days,seeking answers as to what to do. He did not want his son to have totestify in court. He did not want him ridiculed by other parishioners.Many of them loved the church as he did. They did not want to believethat a priest could be guilty of a sin against children.The church agreed to pay for counseling for Alfredo and his family.It had happened over a year earlier, but Alfredo still had problems.There was no longer any joy in his young eyes.Mr. Hernandez had changed churches, but continued to go tomass. He was determined he would work through the ordeal andreclaim his faith. Alfredo stopped attending mass.The family dressed for Sunday mass. Alfredo begged his father notto make him go.“God does not love me,” cried Alfredo. “ Dios me ha abandonado.Soy dañado bienes.” [God has abandoned me. I am damaged goods.]He thought he was unworthy of God’s love because he allowed theabuse to go on. That if he had stopped it immediately, God would haverescued him. In his mind, it was his fault that he was alone.Mr. Hernandez saw the pain in his son’s eyes. He would not forcehim to go. The doctors said it would take time. He continued to prayfor guidance and help for his son.“It’s okay, my son,” replied Mr. Hernandez. “You will return tomass when you are ready. God has not abandoned you. His arms arewaiting to embrace and comfort you. You must go to him. You will findstrength in your faith. We will be back directly after mass, and yourgrandmother is upstairs if you need anything. I love you, Alfredo.”Alfredo thought back to the day his innocence was stolen. He wasin the churchyard, cleaning up. His family needed extra money so heUNHEARD VOICES83had started cutting the grass and picking up trash on the lot on whereevery Saturday they had activities for the children.Alfredo was sitting down for a break when he saw FatherBenjamin come towards him. “Why don’t you take a break inside?”Father had asked. Alfredo was relieved; he thought he was going toget chastised for coming late to mass last Sunday. He followed FatherBenjamin into the kitchen for a glass of water and went back outside.Father Benjamin took a personal interest in Alfredo. EverySaturday, he would invite him in for a break. When Alfredo mentionedit to his friend, he was advised to be careful. Alfredo asked his friendto explain, but he seemed uncomfortable and said he had to get home.Alfredo thought his behavior was strange and asked FatherBenjamin about it. He said he had caught his friend smoking and hadto chastise him. Alfredo knew that priests never lied, so he dismissedthe warning.After a couple months, Father Benjamin invited Alfredo to hisroom. He said he wanted to give him a present, a new cross.Alfredo felt uncomfortable. He thought that priests were sworn toa vow of poverty. How could he afford the cross? He didn’t want himto get in trouble and he didn’t want the guys to know that FatherBenjamin had given him a present. It was a guy thing.The following week Father Benjamin asked him to come up to hisroom again. This time he told him he had a movie for them to watch.He told Alfredo not to worry. No one would know he was there.As they watched the movie, Father Benjamin began moving hishand up Alfredo’s leg. Alfredo grew tense. Father Benjamin fondledhis private parts. Alfredo jumped up and ran for the door.He ran all the way home. Shaken, he immediately went to his room.He went into the bathroom and threw up. His mom ran upstairs to seeif he was okay. He told her he had gotten sick and had to come home.She began to notice that every time he came home from church,he went into the bathroom and vomited. Her son was not the samemischievous boy he used to be.CLAUDETTE MILNER84Alfredo avoided Father Benjamin for the next couple of weeks.Father Benjamin called him into the parish. “Alfredo, I need you to getsomething from my room for me.”“Father, I would rather not go to your room. I have work to do.”It was then that Father Benjamin threatened to tell the bishop thathe had been goofing off at work: watching movies and eating the foodand drink in the kitchen.“You don’t want to lose your job, or upset your parents, do you?It’s perfectly natural for boys your age to explore their sexuality, butyour parents might not understand.”Father Benjamin became more aggressive. One day, BishopDonahue came into the room, saw what was happening, and quicklydismissed himself.There was nowhere for Alfredo to turn. He remembered hisfriend’s warning, and went to see him. His friend saw Alfredo’s crossand immediately understood. Alfredo saw his friend’s eyes moveaway from the cross. He felt ashamed and burst into tears.“I don’t know what to do. He won’t stop. He threatened to makeme lose my job and tell my parents.”“My parents went to the bishop, but it didn’t stop,” his friendconfided in him. “He just found another victim.”Alfredo was almost white when he came home. He could holdback no longer. He prayed that God would forgive him, but he had toconfide in his father. His father questioned him for an hour, and thenthey got their coats.Father Benjamin disappeared from the parish for several weeks,and then Alfredo saw him back at church. He immediately went hometo tell his father. His father asked if Father Benjamin was there.“Maybe he just came to get his things,” he’d said. The bishop wouldnever let him continue to be a priest now that he knew.Alfredo had said the rosary and called out to God while rockingback and forth, tears streaming down his face, hidden in his closet. Goddid not answer him. He didn’t even exile Father Benjamin, who wastransferred to another parish. His father had told him that God was with him the entire time. IfGod was with him, why did the abuse continue? How could God havestood by and let it happen?When the scandal broke, Alfredo was even more devastated. Hehad no choice but to go to Catholic school, but he would never againtrust God to protect him.Alfredo heard his parents come home from mass. He wanted togo out, but he didn’t have any friends. He was afraid to get close toanyone at church.Although everything was supposed to be kept confidential, hedidn’t want anyone to know what had happened to him. No matterhow many people said it wasn’t his fault, he still felt ashamed.His parents were worried about him. He had isolated himself fromeveryone except family. The family had always drawn strength fromtheir faith, but this time, they didn’t know how to help him.He went into his closet and prayed. “Hail Mary full of grace, theLord is with thee…” Claudette Milner is the author of “Children of Plains Estates” and “Unheard Voices”: Children of Plains Estates” Both Books Can be purchased on Barnes & Noble.Com For her current schedule visit www.booktour.com

$800,000, President Clinton’s payout to support the Columbian Trade Act, – Senator Clinton has a history of standing by her man. Do we really think she will vote against the trade act when the proceeds went to her household income?

Claudette Milner — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 11:35:01 EDT

“This latest Clinton scandal continues to deepen. Clinton's main campaign honcho sort-of-kind-of resigned because of his lobbying firm's ties to promoting the Columbia trade deal, Clinton's campaign communication director — Wolfson — has links to lobbyists pushing the Columbia trade deal, and now we find out that Bill Clinton has taken some $800,000 from an organization pushing the very same flawed Columbian trade deal.”

The question everyone is asking is why President Clinton would knowingly accept money for support of a trade bill that would call in to question his wife’s vote? I believe the answer is once again because he can. The larger question is if Senator Clinton becomes president what else will Bill do because he can.? Senator Clinton cashed in her Wal-Mart stock before she started her campaign and returned money back to them so she didn’t look like she was supporting a non-union company but what about the years she served on the board and the big payout. Was this a strategic move on her part to make us believe she supports unions?

Now Senator Clinton is drinking boiler –makers and describing her dad teaching her to hunt. Senator Clinton, I am really beginning to question your judgment.

Rural voters like all voters demand a change in command. All voters are frustrated over job loss, poor educational standards, gas prices, foreclosures, the war in Iraq, lack of health insurance, and rising food prices. What we cannot do is let the weekend events draw us from the big picture. President Clinton and Senator Clinton have benefited from support of the Columbian Trade. Ask yourself this question? Can we afford to lose more jobs in America and vote for Barack Obama?

“No Child Left Behind” – Bush Legacy, or his Biggest Failure?

Claudette Milner — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 10:18:52 EDT

The news headlines said North Carolina graduation rate beats the national average. I was ecstatic and waited anxiously for the in-depth news report. The news said that the average graduation rate was approximately 51%, while the graduation rate in Detroit was around 25% and that the North Carolina rate was approximately 59 %. The highest graduation rate was around 77 %. For the last six years our focus has been the war in Iraq. We still have millions of children in the US growing up in poverty and uninsured with basic healthcare. In 1984 I began a tutoring program at my church. My daughters were two at the time. The first thing that I learned is that children can not learn if they are hungry. They can not get to tutoring sessions if they have no transportation. The second lesson was that if teachers of low income students have no expectations of them, then they will not perform well. I do not believe that if we just add money to the problem that it will produce graduates. It will take a combined contract with teachers, parents, students, and the board of education. We must begin to address the root causes of poverty, the equality of schools, health insurance for our children, our own expectations of our society and the importance of education. We cannot compete with other countries if our children are not prepared to contribute to its growth. While the president and Senator McCain are asking us to stay the course in Iraq, my question is at whose expense. It is clearly at the expense of our children. One trillion dollars could make a dent into poverty in America and give hope to our children.

April 17, 2208 – Early Voting Begins in North Carolina – There will be no TV Cameras asking me who I voted for and why so (Fade to Black) My off Camera Interview.

Claudette Milner — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 12:24:42 EDT

As a writer it has been my goal to educate young adults on stereotypes of race, class, and religion and open a dialogue of understanding that will allow us to heal as a nation and begin to tackle the real issues that we face as a country i.e. poverty, education, global warming, the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the economy.

First of all I am a 51 year African American female. The polls and the media have said that because of my race I will vote for Senator Obama. If I were white I would vote for Senator Clinton. The media has suggested that I am basically uninformed about the issues that I don’t care about platform and the great Governor of Pennsylvania has even said that Americans don’t care about issues of integrity or credibility because we are so focused on economy. It has also coined me a democrat. This would be true except that I have never voted a straight ticket and will vote for a republican candidate for Governor in the general election if he survives the primaries. My candidate will be chosen 85% on the issues and 15% of it based on my own personal beliefs. I know you are thinking this is where race comes in and you would be wrong. This is where credibility and integrity weigh in my decision.

I understand the dynamics of race in this country. I attended integrated schools. I understood institutionalized racism at its best while attending Purdue University in the 70’s. When I write I don’t use descriptions of race unless it is necessary because I leave it to the reader to identify the characters based on their own stereotypes and prejudices. I have been poor and middle class so I understand economic racism better referred to as classism. Being poor caused me to examine my own prejudice toward the homeless and individuals living in poverty. When asked why I write, my answer to make me a better individual.

Let’s first look at the issues.

Health Care - Senator Clinton initiated a health care agenda during her eight years in the White House and for eight years in the senate. She is a health care expert but she has failed to be successful. With all her experience she should have been able to work with the senate and help pass a health insurance bill for children that are not insured. With that bill never passing realistically we know that regardless of the composition of the Senate a universal health care bill will stall for another four years and our children will still be uninsured.

Senator Obama’s bill begins with our children. After the election is over the Senate will be ready to insure our children. We will start from the bottom and work our way up. The bottom line is that we can’t afford another four years of not protecting our children.

Iraq

Senator Clinton said that she will begin taking out our troops on day 1. Senator Clinton has said that she did not brief herself before she voted for the war. Does this mean that she will begin removing troops from Iraq without briefing herself on the situation? Again she refers to her experience but does an experienced person make a decision that will affect the lives of Americans and our own economy without reviewing the facts? I call it a judgment decision. She has criticized Senator Obama on saying that he will sit down with advisors and make a decision to withdraw our troops in a respectful and safe way and will be as careful leaving as we were careless in getting in. Which shows better judgment?

Senator Clinton said that Words Matter when she accused Senator Obama of plagiarism but her words don’t seem to matter.

Senator Clinton exaggerates about being under sniper fire. She sticks to the story even after a tape is played and others dispute her story. She now said that she misspoke. Do words matter?

Senator Clinton said that that she understood that Michigan and Florida votes would not count but now she is saying that her own party is trying to disenfranchise voters. If she were concerned about the disenfranchisement of voters would she not have encouraged her supporters to fight the party before the primaries? We all know that her supporters tried to change the rules in Las Vegas by seeking an injunction to stop the caucuses from being held on the strip but wait that was after she knew she could lose the election.

Senator Clinton supported NAFTA in New York but in Ohio she said she was to busy working on health care to get involved or voice her concerns.

Economy – I am a conservative. I know that we have serious problems with jobs and the economy but once again I think that Senator Clinton’s economic plan will not pass and that Senator Obama can and will build bridges not only with the elected officials but with America. America will be willing to roll up their sleeves and work with in turning this country around and doing what is necessary to rebuild America.

Personally I am old enough to remember the Clinton administration. I remember the good, bad and the ugly. I remember former President Clinton lying to the country. I remember the investigation of Whitewater. I remember the threat of impeachment and the embarrassment of the country. Senator Clinton was a victim. She did not create this scandal and I applaud her strength in handling this situation but I don’t trust that there will not be another scandal in the White House and we have too many problems to solve without scandal. For me Senator Clinton is competent and a strategic opponent but she lacks credibility and her campaign has been run without integrity. Her campaign has attacked Senator Obama on every front and he has been a candidate of integrity.

You guessed it. I will be voting for Senator Obama and yes I do know why.

When I picture Senator McCain as President I fade to black and I see President Bush

Claudette Milner — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:24:30 EDT

When I look at Senator McCain I fade to black and I see George Bush. I see tax breaks for the wealthy and foreclosures for the poor. I see tax breaks for countries that do business out of this country and unemployment lines for what used to be middle class America. I see millions in profits for Exxon and Americans parking their cars and taking the bus to work unable to feed their family and pay for gas for their vehicle. I see Veterans with their disability running out and no health care for them. I see the homeless stats increasing while those figures include 30% of our military. I see commodities cut for our elderly while we waste 1 trillion fighting a war that should have never been started. I see our borders that still are not safe, our trains and planes open to terrorism, while our real attacker is ignored. I see a no child left behind slogan while test scores are still sliding in our schools. I see American families praying for their loves ones to come home safely from Iraq and caskets caring soldiers home instead while we remain in Iraq with no exit stategy. Fast forward four years. I see America in a depression.

I have not written lately because I like most Democrats are frustrated with the campaign although I know that the more desperate Senator Clinton gets the uglier this campaign will get. If this war of Democrats causes Senator McCain to win this election the Democrats would again have failed the American people and its constiuents.

Michigan and Florida Delegates

Claudette Milner — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 09:55:37 EST

I am for every individuals vote counting in an election. The question here is that the election did not give all the candidates an equal opportunity to vote. It seems to me that once again Senator Clinton is trying to win back door and now Julian Bond has jumped in on the band wagon. The NAACP has the job of fighting for civil rights for all individuals. If the NAACP had taken a stand before the primaries were held and took it to the courts then this situation would have been resolved and both candidates would have been able to campaign and vote but this wasn’t the case. The rules were laid down and Senator Obama played by the rules. Senator Clinton put herself on the ballot despite the rules. She attended functions in Florida although she did not campaign. She needs those votes if she has any chance of winning. Much talk has been made of her Washington experience. Well my fellow Americans this is clearly an example of her Washington experience and this is what we can expect if she wins the nomination. She will spin it and twist it any way possible in order to win. She will break the rules. She will distort the truth and she will win by any means necessary. This country is in a mess and it will take a person of integrity to run this country. Can we afford to vote in a candidate with Washington experience?

I cannot vote until May and hopefully Senator Obama would have won by then but I still look forward to voting.

I believe that Senator Obama will have no problem with a caucus or a new vote because he is a candidate of integrity and I hope this will be the final decision by the DNP. Let everyone’s vote count on equal terms or let the rules stand.

Excellent Customer Service Experience at Wal-Mart

Claudette Milner — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 10:38:10 EST

Having worked in customer service of some kind most of my life I am wowed when I receive exceptional customer service. I was in the Wal-Mart store located on Sardis Rd in Charlotte, NC on Friday morning. I was doing some banking and had left the store when I was reminded of a problem with my bumper. I looked at the products available and went seeking help. I advised the salesman of what my issue was and he said he could not determine what I needed without looking at my truck. He asked me if I was parked in the employee parking lot which was located right outside the automotive department. I advised him that I was parked out front at the end. Without hesitation he walked with me to the parking lot, looked at my vehicle and suggested a part and advised me how to attach the part. After returning to the store he selected the part for me. At my former employer they always stressed leaving the customer with a WOW experience. This was truly an exceptional customer service experience. Thanks Mr. William Dunston. You made my day.

Warning to Democratic Party: If Michigan and Florida Delegates are seated or Superdelegates choose the Nominee a War will Erupt that will divide the Democratic Party that it will not recover from.

Claudette Milner — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 11:41:20 EST

Most democrats are still fuming over the 2000 election and the underhanded techniques used to win the election, now Senator Clinton wants to seat delegates from Michigan and Florida. Michigan and Florida knew the consequences of holding early primaries and they decided to vote early. The rules of the game were decided and now Senator Clinton wants to change the rules in favor of her campaign. It seems that she wants to win the nomination by any means necessary. She seems more like a republican every day. Senator Clinton has said that she is ready to lead America on the first day. How can I trust a candidate for change that is conducting politics as usual in Washington?

Most Democrats have said that no matter which candidate wins they will support the nominee. The problem is that the Democratic Party is trying to take away our choice to pick our own candidate. They insult us by saying that we are not qualified to determine our nominee and that in their infinite wisdom they should decide for us. I have been a registered democrat for 33 years. I have voted in 90% of all elections and have voted based on the viability of the bill and the record and platform of the candidate. I do not need an overseer. This is an insult to me as a woman, a citizen and an African American.

I urge the Democratic Party to let the voters decide on a candidate. This election has seen a record number of voters come out to the polls. It has excited a new energy in the party. I was at the laundry mat and everyone was talking about the candidates and the election. My daughter was discussing the candidates with her friend on the telephone. She is excited to vote. If the election is decided by the powers that be then people will stay at home and choose not to vote.

Unless the superdelegates support the candidate with the most raw delegate votes or remain neutral, I like many democrats will choose to remain neutral on Election Day.

Evangelical Christians set poll records: After 21days of fasting what God has revealed to me.

Claudette Milner — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 11:05:16 EST

Evangelical Christians set poll records: After 21days of fasting what God has revealed to me.

2007 was a journey of faith for me personally. It was a year that I struggled both spiritually and financially and many times it felt as if I was in a battle by myself. I needed most of all to hear a word from God. I needed wisdom and direction. I watched TBN everyday seeking answers. I imparted on a 21 day fast and immersed myself in my bible, praying and diligently seeking God. I have tossed and turned over the last few days waking up with visions of God’s plan for my life. This is what has been revealed to me.

As I watched Huckabee last night and his election speech I only saw whites. The church is the most segregated institution in America. The church is divided economically, and ethnically. It is time for the church to get real and begin to save souls. The church cannot save souls when it is in judgment of each other. It cannot function outside of its community. We cannot pass homeless individuals on the street and walk in the church praising God. We cannot preach racism and walk before God. I saw a sign before a -------church that read. We have sinned and come short of the grace of God. Come in and pray with us. We are followers of Jesus Christ. The term Christian has become obsolete to many instead of being associated with compassion and forgiveness it is being associated with judgment and hypocrisy. The individuals being affected the most are our children. Watching TBN the other day a woman spoke of being pregnant at 16 and the church turning their backs on her. Ministers are not addressing the hypocrisy of the church. They are not confronting racism and classism. The church must humble them selves before God and ask for forgiveness of their sins and then reach out to the world in compassion. Modern churches are constantly boasting about their memberships, the mega churches. How many followers of God do we have in these churches? How many individuals are saving souls and winning people to God. How many members know each other? How can we praise God as we shun our illegitimate children, as we sleep with married deacons, as we condemn a young teen that is having her baby when we profess that we are pro-life. How many men in the congregation have children that they are not supporting but they give to others. How many women are shunning children from another marriage but are praising God five times a week in church. It is time for the church to get real. It is time for the church to become followers of God. It is time for ministers to stand up for God and stop preaching to the flavor of the day. God is not happy. We are not about our fathers business. This country is in a mess and it will take more than evangelical Christians going to the polls. We as Christians must stand up for God. We must bring people to Christ but first we must get our house in order. It is time for a Christian revolution and it must begin in the church.

Claudette Milner is the author of “Children of Plains Estates” and “Unheard Voices”: Children of Plains Estates. For more about this author, listen to her interview on www. Artistfirst.com or hear her interview with George Cooper on www.Letstalkhonestly.com on February 10, 2008 at 8:00 EST

Nevada State Education Association seeks to suppress the vote in Nevada. Where is the Outrage from the Democratic Candidates?

Claudette Milner — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 12:33:04 EST

I am still fuming over the 2004 election when republicans successfully suppressed votes in Florida in order to steal the election. Now we have the Nevada Education Association trying to accomplish the same goal and Senator Clinton who serves to gain from this move has not denounced it. President Clinton has endorsed the move. When I think of the educational system in Nevada I am bewildered how a state that has ranked as low as 39th in high school graduation rates at 58% has time to initiate a lawsuit when its focus clearly has not been on education. “Nevada State Education Association, allege in their suit is that the decision to allow at-large precincts in hotels along the Las Vegas strip, established to allow hotel workers who work 24 Hours a day to vote, violates the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution”My second question is why no one is calling foul play. Do we slam the republicans and then act as business as usual when democrats try the same strategy. If the educators are so interested in getting Senator Clinton into office then use your power at the caucus. What is most important for the future of our children is that we elect a president that believes in equal education and will work hard to ensure that no child is left behind. Educators in Nevada, put your skills toward providing a world class educational system for our children. I think the students of Nevada would be better served. If the Democrats are going to support or ignore vote suppression I need to change parties because you obviously don’t believe in democracy.

Ms. Milner can be heard in an interview on www.Artistfirst.com at 7:00 PM and www.letstalkhonestly on 02/10/2008 at 8:00 PM

Hilary’s Statement is an Insult to the Work of Martin Luther King and the Thousands of Jews, Blacks, and Caucasians that marched, died and were jailed in the fight for Civil Rights.

Claudette Milner — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 10:06:44 EST

“Dr King’s dream began to be realised when President Lyndon Johnson passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It took a president to get it done.” This is the statement that caught my eye and held my attention after Hilary’s speech. For me this statement discredits the work of thousands that were murdered, hosed, humiliated, and jailed to fight for civil rights. Johnson signing of the Civil Rights Act was a result of events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycotts, Brown Vs the Board of Education, the March on Washington, the sit-ins by thousands of college students at local restaurants. The signing of the Civil Rights bill was not initiated by Johnson and would have never even been considered if this movement had not been stirred by African American leaders. This was not a single protest, a single speech. This movement was not supported by a single group of individuals. It was a coalition of races, and individuals of every economic status that joined together to make his dream a reality. To dismiss the contribution of many and to simply say that Johnson signed this bill for it to become a reality is a disservice to King’s legacy. The truth is that buses were integrated in Montgomery because the bus system almost went bankrupt. It was an economic decision. The restaurants started serving blacks because it was economic. They did not because Johnson signed the bill. Brown vs. Board of Education was won before the Civil Rights Bill was signed.

I believe the same coalition that it took to make the Civil Rights Bill a reality will be the same coalition that will support Senator Obama nomination for President. It is a coalition that believes in this country and what it stands for, a coalition that will join the fight for equal education, health care and a judicial system that supports equality. It is a coalition that believes in bringing our allies and our enemies to the table and negotiating world peace and building relationships. Join me in supporting Senator Obama.

Ms. Milner will be interviewed on Artistfirst on January 21, 2008 at 7:00 PM and Lets Talk Honestly with George Cooper on 02/10/2008. For more information email cmilner_@hotmail.com

I Am Proud to Support Senator Obama

Claudette Milner — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 12:49:57 EST

Obama Wins Iowa

We have all heard the news and yes I have been on the telephone with my associates that said that he couldn’t win, that the country is not ready for an African American president of multiracial descent. I have asked them to listen to his acceptance speech, read his platform, listen to him speak. I am not supporting him because of his race. This does not mean that I am not proud today. Today I think all African Americans hold their heads a little higher, that they are encouraged that they can effect change in this country regardless of coming from a single parent household, regardless of being multi-racial, regardless of economic status. His message is a message of change. I think this sends a message to all individuals regardless of race, religion, or economic status. You are somebody, your story matters; someone cares about health care for everyone, tax cuts for the middle class, keeping jobs in America, quality and equal education and bringing our troops home. He doesn’t come from a legacy of privilege but a legacy of hope. He has fought for civil rights. He believes in equal justice. We need a change and the candidate for change is Barack Obama. Join me in supporting this candidate.

Listen to Author Claudette Milner as She has a Candid Interview with George Cooper on Let's Talk Honestly February 10, 2008

Claudette Milner — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:55:30 EST

In a pre-taped interview Claudette Milner author of "Children of Plains Estates" and "Unheard Voices: Children of Plains Estates talked candidly about her motivation for writing and the diversity of her characters. Ms. Milner's new release includes characters that are alcoholics,a Jehovah Witness, a character of Jewish descent, and of Mexican and Cuban heritage. Her book confronts issues about pedeophilia, child abandonment and the educational system.

To listen to this interview: access www.letstalkhonestly.com

Silent Tears

Claudette Milner — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 12:22:21 EST

I seldom write poetry any more but I wanted to share this with you.

Silent Tears

I see the tears hidden behind the dark glasses

I know the look of shame and desperation

For I have walked in your shoes

And I know your pain.

I know your heart is heavy

The sobs threaten to explode at any second

Flowing helplessly like a river that pours into an ocean

Erupting like waves against the roaring tide.

You are in anguish, the tears won’t stop.

The pain won’t cease.

It has lasted forever

And you silently wonder.

When will it be my time.

Review "Unheard Voices": Children of Plains Estates

Claudette Milner — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 10:13:01 EST

Thought Provoking,Timely, December 27, 2007 By Taylor Brown "Taylor" (Detroit, Michigan United States) - See all my reviewsThis prolific writer has stepped up her game in her new novel "Unheard Voices": Children of plains Estates. Ms. Milner continues the story lines of Children of Plains Estates while incorporating new characters into the equation. The reader is once again challenged to face their own stereotypes about class, religion, and gender. This writer's strength is that she is able to make you feel the pain and emotions of each character while bringing understanding to their plight. Her message is clear. Until we listen to the unheard voices our children cannot begin to heal. This is an exceptional piece of work by a relatively unknown author. Once again the cliff hanger leaves you waiting on her next book.

Get to Know Controversial Author Claudette Milner in a one on one interview on Artist First on January 21, 2008 at 7:00 PM EST.

Claudette Milner — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 15:10:48 EST

Claudette Milner is the author of “Unheard Voices”: Children of Plains Estates and “Children of Plains Estates. Ms. Milner will be interviewed on Artist First on January 21, 2008 at 7:00 PM. Ms Milner will discuss her sequel of books, her latest release, and her motivation for writing. The interview can be accesses on www.artistfirst.com.

Ms. Milner is a former educator and CRA officer. She is from Louisville, Kentucky and currently resides in Charlotte, NC.

Both books may be purchased online at Amazon.com and www.publishamerica.com.

Request for review copies may be sent to support@publishamerica.com

Ms. Milner may be reached by email at cmilner_@hotmail.com

Author Introduction WWSA.BIZ

Claudette Milner — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 09:17:54 EST

Friends, Associates and Family,

I would like to introduce you to Claudette Milner. Ms. Milner is an author and
speaker and soon to be Wise Women Speaker Association member. She is an awesome,
dynamic and provocative personality who has published two books and is working on
the third of a series of what will be five. Ms. Milner isn't flamboyant, doesn't
speak loudly but when she does speak her words impact the hearers hearts and minds.
I invite you to get to know Claudette Milner by visiting her website, chatting with
her on her blog, attending one of her scheduled events and purchasing one of her two
books. This wonderful and wise woman of faith is very much in demand locally and
nationally and would be a great choice for a speaker at an event you or someone you
know may be sponsoring this coming year. Below is a synopisis of Ms. Milner's most
recently published book and a scheduled of her booked events for 2008.

Carrie Johnson Pegues

Synopsis: The sequel "Unheard Voices": Children of Plains Estates can only be
described as provocative, thought provoking, and timely. Book two will examine
storylines in which no American author has dared to write about in one book for
young adult readers. Milner will explore the after effects of pedophilia in the
Catholic Church with a congruent storyline of a young boy molested by his father
through the eyes of Alan Bates and Cuban born Alejandro Rodriquez. One survivor will
go through a journey of faith while the other will seek justice in his own way. The
reader will be challenged to confront his own stereotypes and prejudice against
Mexican Americans. Economic lines will be drawn in this close community when a
strike pits management against laborers, neighbors against neighbors. The role of
the church and its own hypocrisy will be examined. The role of the Jehovah Witness
during the Holocaust will be openly discussed as a Jew and a Jehovah Witness both
tell their stories of survival.

My mission is global. We live in a diverse society. There are those that feel as an
African American I should limit my writing to African American characters. Our
country is divided among race,class, religion, and gender. I believe that the story
of every child should be told. My prayer is that through my series of books the
dialogue will be opened and we as a country will begin to heal.

December 27, 2007 - Freedom Regional Library 7:00 PM - Book Signing

January 21, 2008 - Artist First Interview 7:00 PM www.artistfirst.com

February 25, 2008 - Friendship Baptist Church - 7:00 Book Signing

March 5, 2008 - West Blvd Library - Book Signing - 7:00 PM

March 11, 2008 Let's Talk Honestly interview with George Cooper @
www.let'stalkhonestly.com

March 2008 - Philadelphia, PA - Details TBA

May 2008 - Louisville, Ky - Details TBA

June 12,13, 2008 - Detroit Michigan - Book signing

May 3, 2008 - Workshop AT-Risk Teens - Grier Heights Community.

You may contact Ms. Milner using the information below or through Wise Women
Speakers Association at www.wwsa.biz.

Claudette Milner

Charlotte, NC

Home (704)567-9807

Cell (704) 281-9363

Author :

"Children of Plains Estates"

"Unheard Voices": Children of Plains Estates

wwwpublishedauthors.net/claudettemilner.index.html

www.freewebs.com/authorclaudettemilner1/index.html

email: cmilner_@hotmail.com

Great Debaters – A Must See - Thank You Oprah

Claudette Milner — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 09:38:08 EST

I had the opportunity to watch the Great Debaters last night and it took me back to a time when African Americans were lynched without justice but it also showed the courage and strength of my people. This was not a movie made to stir up racist ideology it was a tribute to the debate team of Wiley College. When members of the debate team despite all adversity debated against Harvard University I cheered from my seat because it was individuals like this that paved the way for me to enter Purdue University. This movie is a must see because it shows the value of education, the necessity of having a voice, the strength and fortitude of African Americans. In society today our role models are athletes, actors, celebrities. Our teens are exposed to drugs, and gang violence. We are killing each other and holding the results up like trophies as opposed to seeing it as genocide of our own. If you don’t see any other holiday movie please support this film. Its excellence is a cause for celebration. Oprah thank you for bring this movie to the big screen.

Does President Bush’s legacy of privilege make him immune to the plight of the poor and the elderly or is it his lack of character?

Claudette Milner — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 19:33:46 EST

The headlines read "Whitehouse encouraged by revised $500 dollar budget bill” Today is the day that I thank God for a democrat majority. I have had major issues with the democrat’s lack of policy when it comes to the Children Health Insurance bill but this time they fought gallantly for those that could not fight for them selves. It gives us a look into the next election and the priority of our elected officials. I pulled out two quotes from the newspaper article. “Democrats succeeded in reversing cuts sought by President Bush to heating subsidies, local law enforcement, Amtrak and housing as well as Bush's plan to eliminate the $654 million budget for grants to community action agencies that help the poor.”“Democrats were able to put their imprint on the bill, saving programs such as the $140 million Commodity Supplemental Food Program, targeted for elimination by Bush but given a 30 percent budget hike by Democrats. The program provides nutritionally balanced boxes of food to about a half-million mostly elderly poor people per month.”How can a president that is requesting 40 billion dollars for Iraq want to eliminate commodity supplements for the elderly. I have read many articles on Barbara Bush and have always respected her. I wonder if she were poor and elderly if President Bush would still be seeking to eliminate this program. Earlier today I had picked out my republican candidate in the event that my main candidate doesn’t get the democratic nomination. When I look at the republican agenda I have no other choice but to vote for the party that at least shows concern for the citizens of America. This statement was made about the bill. "This is a really bad deal," said Sen. Jim DeMint, R-South Carolina. "Instead of passing a clean bill, Democrats have packed it full of controversial policy riders, wasteful earmarks, and budget gimmicks that add billions in additional domestic spending over the president's level."I return to the farm bill. We have given away millions to millionaires but this republican senator calls it overspending when democrats try to protect the working poor and less fortunate. When we entered the war in Iraq fiscal responsibility went out the window. It has put us in the red. How can we justify this war for the sake of democracy while we turn our backs on the needs of Americans?Join me in praying for our country. We must make a change.

Farm Bill – A Must Veto by Bush

Claudette Milner — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 10:03:54 EST

I admit I have never been interested in the Farm Bill. The reason I reviewed the new bill is firstly because I am paying over $5.00 for a bag of apples and increased prices for all fruits and vegetables. For those of us who have to budget at the grocery store it’s getting more difficult to feed your family the food that is best for their dietary needs. “The farm bill currently pays subsidies to farmers directly regardless of crop yield” The house bill would reduce payments to farmers that make one million dollars a year. The current cap is 2.5 million. Now it doesn’t take a rocket scientist or a political analyst to know that something is wrong with this picture. The concession seems to be that nonfarmers who make over 750,000 a year would eventually not receive payments. So what I am reading is that we have been paying farmers that are millionaires a subsidy and we cannot afford to feed the homeless and provide quality health care for our children. The bill passed 79-14. This bill not only causes me much concern but is simply ludicrous. How many dollars were spent to lobby for this bill? President Bush the one thing you can do for this country is VETO this bill because clearly the house and the senate have loss their mind.

December 25, Birth of Jesus - 2007 -Statistics of the Homeless

Claudette Milner — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 12:43:18 EST

Homelessness in America

As we enter the holiday season we bustle about shopping and buying gifts. We spend millions of dollars donating money to have an impact on the next presidential election but will the person we elect have a policy that will impact the homeless.

According to the national Coalition for the Homeless “people remain homeless for an average of 8 months. On average 51% of the homeless population is male, 30% families, 17% single women and 2% unaccompanied children. The population is estimated to be 42% African American, 39 percent white, 13% Hispanic, 4% American Indian and 2 percent Asian. An average of 16% of the homeless population is considered mentally ill, 26% substance abusers, and 13% unemployed.”

I am not an outsider to the problem of homelessness I am a person that has experienced it. For me it was an eye opening experience. My previous stereotypes and misconceptions were challenged as I talked with individuals that were trying to recover from addiction, had HIV/AIDS, women that had lost their jobs and were trying to get their lives back on track. This was not an experiment. It was a part of my life. After leaving an emotionally abusive relationship I moved 500 miles away and began my life over. I was fortunate. I was educated and quickly got a job but during the transition period were social workers and a transitional house that provided shelter for my children and me.

I learned hard lessons during this period but the most important lesson I learned was that the majority of people are not homeless because they are trifling, lazy are don’t want to work. We have to find the funds to care for those that are mentally ill, out of work, and are suffering from various addictions. We are not a moral country when we turn our backs on those less fortunate. We can not turn this country around unless we are compassionate men, women and children.

It is immoral to cut funding for social service and mental health organizations. It is not just the responsibility of our government but the responsibilities of its citizens. It is not enough to give during the holiday season. We must be our brother’s keeper. Let our New Year’s resolution be to treat each individual with dignity. While you are shopping this holiday season please remember that there are individuals that don’t have a place to stay or enough food to eat. If turkeys are on sale cook two and donate one to a shelter. Buy a toy or a coat for a child that has nothing.

The most important thing I can ask is that when you go to the polls that you think about your candidate’s position on the things that matter i.e. the war in Iraq, education, health insurance, homelessness, and AIDS research. Vote responsibly. Gender or Race, or Religion should not decide this election. It must be about the issues.

Happy Holidays -

“Unheard Voices”: Children of Plains Estates, Available on Amazon.com

Claudette Milner — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 10:20:56 EST

“Children of Plains Estates” and “Unheard Voices”: Children of Plains Estates is now available on Amazon.com and Amazon.com international. All monies from both books enable me to visit schools and conduct workshops for teens. Thank you for your support.

Claudette Milner

Increase in Minimum Wage: Realistic or Pie in the Sky

Claudette Milner — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 09:45:32 EST

I am a realist. My thought process has always allowed me to evaluate a policy from both sides and be able to protect the bottom line. The country is near a recession and we are heavily in debt and with the increasing cost of the war there is no end in sight to our economic woes. For many individuals one has to work for 8 hours just to fill up their tank. I know that the minimum wage must be increased because families cannot possibly afford to support their families on the existing wage but an immediate increase to 7.25 is a pie in the sky vision without tax cuts to small businesses. Small businesses have been heavily impacted with the increase of health care insurance and basic operating expenses. In major corporations the maximum raise is 3% of the gross income. Unions are being broken and wages and benefits are being decreased. I have a friend that has worked for a company as a journeyman for 30 years. In 2009 his contract is not being renewed. After he turned 40 the company no longer covered health insurance so he pays out of pocket. He will be 52 years old looking for a job. This is just one scenario that is happening to workers. A major telecommunications company in their effort to break the union of a company they took over is hiring workers on temporary bases that will not receive benefits until the contract has expired. The more I listen to the stories of Americans the more concerned I become about the state of this country. If companies are already stabbing loyal employees in the back how much more brutal will they become when they have to pay more for employees. Employers will cut back on employees. They will relegate workers to part-time status. Employees will do twice the work for their pay because of the increase. The increase must be inline with the cost of living increase and the overall raise given to corporate America. We know that business is not going to do the right thing by its workers so it is the job of politicians to protect the interest of its citizens but let’s do it responsibly. The Republicans have overdone tax breaks for the wealthy but Democrats must be willing to give tax breaks to small businesses in order to help the working poor. If no compromise is found we the American people suffer. I wish our elected politicians would remember that their job is to serve and protect the entire country not just their constituents. I ask that you remember your oath and learn to compromise. I agree this country needs a change. This would be a great start.

Politics /Religion - Is religion a deciding factor in the presidential race?

Claudette Milner — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 14:50:23 EST

I have often thought of running for a political office on the local level. I attend an interdenominational church and when I am at my wits end I go to a catholic church. My daughters attended catholic grade school and when ever we had a problem they would pull out their rosary and say a few Hail Mary’s. When I first came to Charlotte I sought out a catholic church because I needed an instantaneous miracle and I knew the sanctuary would be open. Funny thing about most churches is that they aren’t always open. St. Gabriel’s has never been closed when I needed to pray. When you walk into the sanctuary it feels as if God meets you at the door. The presence of God is clearly in the little chapel. My faith is what sustains me. I can’t imagine that my religious beliefs would not affect the way I would make decisions. For me being a Christian is not how many times you go to church but how you treat people. It is defined as loving your brothers and sisters. It is about compassion and giving back to others. I think that God’s grace shows through our actions. I don’t believe that Jesus died on the cross for a particular segment of the population or religious group. I believe that his grace and his mercy extend to every individual in the world even those that do not acknowledge him. I could not imagine not serving a God without compassion. According to my definition of religion for me it would be a deciding factor because I want the candidate I vote for to pray before he makes a major decision. I want him or her to be open to the will of God. I want him to make policy decisions with the knowledge that God wants us to protect our children and our elderly. I want a president that is sensitive to the needs of the homeless and that is willing to put money into AIDS and stem cell research. I want a president that values the lives of the rich and the poor. I want a president that knows that all children should have equal access to quality education, health insurance and an equal justice system. I want a president that will put prayer back in schools. Regardless of the candidates religious affiliation I pray that he will put this country back on track.

How Can We As Americans Prevent Another Senseless Mall Shooting?

Claudette Milner — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 10:09:22 EST

Every time I read about another senseless shooting I pray for our children and the families of the victims. Robert A Hawkins goes into a mall and kills 8 innocent bystanders and himself. According to the reports he was suffering from mental health issues. He had been fired from his job and broken up with his girlfriend. He no longer wanted to be a burden to his family and yes he wanted to die famous. How many children are depressed and feeling desperate? I have written on the topic of health care many times but there is still not a health care plan that will assist the needs of Americans with mental health issues. Our present administration is oblivious to the needs of working class and poor Americans. We as a country must demand quality health insurance for all citizens. It is a right and not a privilege for the rich. Please register to vote and demand accountability from your senators and congressmen in your area. As Americans we need a conscious. We have a responsibility to make this country one that we can be proud of. Let there be no more senseless killings.

In one of the Wealthiest Countries in the World why would Lee Eisenberg hold hostages in order to try and get Mental Health Care?

Claudette Milner — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 10:11:06 EST

We live in one of the richest countries in the world but man takes hostages in hopes of receiving mental health care.

Leeland Eisenberg, 46 in an act of desperation walked in to the campaign office of Senator Clinton demanding to see her regarding getting mental health care. Mr. Eisenberg had strapped what appeared to be a bomb to his chest. He took five hostages into custody.

By no means am I condoning the behavior of Mr. Eisenberg but I do understand his desperation because it is the desperation of millions of Americans including children that cannot afford health care.

During the last election President Bush promised an overhaul of health insurance. Congressmen and Senators promised an overhaul of the health care system and now all presidential candidates are promising an overhaul of the health insurance plan while millions of children go without health care. Who’s the blame? Every elected official that has not united to pass a health care bill that will insure our children and provide mental health care and preventive care for adults that can’t afford it. President Bush has already made his choice. His broken No Child Left behind Bill and his veto of the Children’s Health Insurance Bill sent the citizens of America a clear message that our children are not a priority to the president of this country.

I like other Americans are tired of the congress and the senate playing games with the future of our children. The health and welfare of our children should not be a bargaining chip for the next election. Democrats would like to say that it is because of President Bush and republicans that we don’t have a healthcare plan but it is your fault. You have broken your promise to the American people. You have failed our children. You had four years to fight Bush and make a difference in the lives of our children and you didn’t. Senator Clinton touts her experience as first lady and as Senator. Senator Clinton please tell me what you have done during your term to get a health care bill passed. Senator Clinton is not the only ineffective candidate running for president. The democratic candidates have been in government for several years. If you have not been affective in the congress or the senate why would I believe that you suddenly had an epiphany and can now create plans that will turn America back into a productive society. The republicans have failed to create their own programs and to initiate correctly the plans already in place. They have drained our budget with an ineffective war. Gas prices are so high one must choose between necessities and getting to work to support one’s family. Why would we put our faith in any of their candidates that are currently serving in office?

All of the candidates that are currently in an elected office have failed this country and now they present us with their rhetoric. I understand why John Nirenberg is marching to Washington to lobby for impeachment of President Bush. He is frustrated with the status quo.

Our duty as Americans is to research the record of the candidates. Candidates that have no record due to laziness and haven’t bothered to vote dismiss them. A current interview technique is result based interviewing. Its theory is how you have handled situations in the past is reflective of how you will handle future situations. If I base my record on this theory I would say kick them all out of office for failure to come to the table and do what is best for this country.

Claudette Milner is the author of "Children of Plains Estates" and "Unheard Voices":Children of Plains Estates.

I'd love to Come to Your Event - Schedule for Book Signing for "Unheard Voices":Children of Plains Estates

Claudette Milner — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 09:47:59 EST

Beginnning December 27th, 2008 I will be officially releasing "Unheard Voices": Children of Plains Estates currently available on www.publishamerica.com. To book an engagement please send an email to cmilner_@hotmail.com subject line: appearance request. I am available for booksigning and or speaking engagements.

December 27, 2008 Freedom Regional Library Charlotte, NC

February 25,2008 - Feb. 25 Friendship Baptish Book Club Black History Charlotte, NC - Book Signing

March 11,2008- Interview George Cooper -Let's Talk Honestly.

March 5, 2007 West Blvd Library 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Reading and Booksigning

March - TBA - Book Signing and Reading - Philadelphia PA

May 3,2008 - Workshop for AT-Risk Teens - Grier Heights neighborhood Celebration

You may contact me if you would like me to attend your event.

Shari on BET Sunday Best Reminded the viewing audience that What God has Promised US is for US.

Claudette Milner — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 14:26:22 EST

Although Viacom has tried its best to relegate BET to rap and music videos, reality TV, and a small percentage of news shows I have found myself watching Sunday Best.

My draw to this show was Shari a middle age singer that was clearly anointed with God’s grace. It was not her voice that kept me watching but her image reflected me. She almost got eliminated during the audition but then was added at the last minute. After performing her last selection she reminded me us all “that some of us have written our eulogies on our gifts and that what God has promised us is for us.” Almost three years ago God promised me that if I took a certain job my writing would soar. I took the job for a telecommunications company. For the first couple of years I went to work and came home. It was a means to an end. Although over qualified for the position I was the last one hired for the position because others didn’t pass the drug test. At times I would get bored with the job and I would make a suggestion. My suggestions were quickly dismissed because they were paying IBM millions to elevate their customer service scores. I remembered God’s promise and continued to work, working four ten hour shifts, giving up all luxuries, sleeping on an air mattress, using all available funds on marketing my work and attending book signings. I am starting to receive invitations to visit different cities to promote my new book “Unheard Voices”: Children of Plains Estates but the travel budget is gone. I look back on these last three years of the journey and I have no regrets. I know that what God has promised me will happen. If you read this keep me in your prayers for now is my season to begin my mission of healing children. My favorite event is visiting schools. I would love to visit your school or book club. Right now I can only visit local events but as God blesses my finances I will be traveling again.

Shari, win or lose you have inspired me. Good luck.

To purchase book, visit www.publishamerica.com

Thought Provoking, Timely, and Provacative: "Unheard Voices" Children of Plains Estates is Available to Order.

Claudette Milner — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 16:04:52 EST

To purchase "Unheard Voices" please visit www.publishamerica.com . For a review copy contact support@publishamerica.com

A Labor of Love "Unheard Voices"

Claudette Milner — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 09:54:19 EST

“Unheard Voices” will finally go to print on November 19, 2007. It will available by the first week of December for purchase on Barnes and Nobles and Amazon.com. I am not aware of the official release date. The writing and publication of this book has been a journey of faith. It is rare for an African American author to tackle subjects for example AIDS, domestic violence, child abandonment, adoption, sickle cell, pedophilia, and educate on the Holocaust and the Jehovah Witness participation in one book. To say that I do not consciously make a choice on my subject matter to some would be a cop out but I don’t. I have no literary talent. I write because of the grace of God. He is my agent.

My prayer is that through this book we will begin a dialogue. We will begin to examine our actions and judgment of others. I have already received emails that I should not revisit the pedophilia in the Catholic Church or any other church but the survivors must know that they are not alone and the Catholic Church must acknowledge the pain of the victims and openly make amends. I have tried to show all sides of the story because only then can we acknowledge and understand the feelings of all parties. I hope that men, women and children will read this book. I hope that Cubans and Mexicans will read my work and understand that I acknowledge their contribution to this country and their story deserves to be told. I am so proud of this book.

I hope the reader will understand that until we all come to the table and begin to understand each other we can not stand as a united country. For an advanced review copy email support@publishamerica.com or cmilner_@hotmail.com.

Controversial Author Claudette Milner outlines her Children Health Insurance Bill. Can Insurance Companies combine their efforts with Government to protect our Children?

Claudette Milner — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 10:05:41 EST

Democrats are refusing to negotiate, President Bush intends to veto, and Republicans have not come up with a new bill. The result is that 4 million children are without healthcare and the key players are not willing to compromise. I have read all the available information. President Bush is afraid of socialized medicine, illegal immigrants receiving benefits and individuals canceling their current policy and opting for a government plan. The Democrats said they have reduced the republican objections. The debate goes on and our children are suffering the consequences.

I am realistic so I know that universal health care is a pie in the sky objective because two many of our politicians regardless of party are in bed with the health care lobbyist. President Bush feels that the congress should find alternate health care for these individuals. I say combine Health Care with the government and settle this issue.

The intended insurance is for the working poor that cannot afford family insurance from current carriers. The financial guidelines have already been set and the individuals have been identified. My plan would be to allow these individuals to purchase insurance through current carriers. This would mean that only working families would qualify. There would be a cap on the ability to qualify. It would work like individual and dependent care. The employed worker would be responsible for individual care. The government would supplement the dependent care depending on income range. The dependent care would have no deductible just the individual care. It would be like a health care credit but it would be given during the year. A person could purchase blue-cross for example for his children through his employer but it would be supplemented by the government.

Health insurance companies would have to come up with a plan that meets the guidelines with a cap on the cost. Health insurance companies would bid on the contract. Employers would receive a tax credit for its participation. As an employee increases his income so does the percentage that he pays for the insurance. This would only cover the four million currently without insurance and those entering the workforce.

What impact would this have on America? Woman currently on welfare would be more likely to go to work without fear of losing health insurance for their children. Working individuals would be able to pay for insurance for their family. Even if they did not have individual insurance they could purchase dependent insurance depending on their income. The government would not be controlling a person’s insurance plan or one’s choices. The dependent plan of course would have to be competitive.

I am not saying that this is an ideal situation but it is a blueprint for a plan that can work if implemented. I invite professionals in the field of health care including lobbyist on both sides to write your comments positive and negative. Maybe we as Americans, that our concerned about our children, can make an impact.

Hilary Get off the Fence,- Drivers License for Illegal Immigrants or Not. We need to Know Your Position.

Claudette Milner — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 11:57:10 EST

In the wake of the election we need to know where you stand and I for one am tired of the fence. This is not limited to Senator Clinton. The worse thing a candidate can do is change their platform from one state to the other or be on the fence. Come on Democrats be brave. Give it to us straight because in the world of the internet if it is rotten voters will find out.

Giuliani, Warren Burger, Is he a traitor to his principles or does Pat Robertson know the real person. "Something is rotten in Denmark"

Claudette Milner — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 11:05:50 EST

Samuel Jackson made a statement regarding the use of rap artist in movies as opposed to African American actors that had studied their craft for years. He felt they should be considered over actors like P-Diddy and DMX. So let me clarify, I don’t have a journalism degree although I am a writer but I would like someone to ask the hard questions for me. When I took constitutional law at Purdue University the one person that amazed me the most was Chief Justice Warren Burger, mind you I am still waiting on Justice Clarence Thomas to pull a Warren Burger on the court. I am sure he was Richard Nixon’s greatest disappointment and the world’s greatest champion. Now we have Rudy Giuliani, supporter of gay rights, opponent of abortion supported by Pat Robertson, who has said to Robertson allegedly “that the candidate has assured the American people his choices for judicial appointments will be men and women who share the judicial philosophy of Chief Justice John Roberts” I am not a Rhode scholar but that statement definitely gives me food for thought. I am not going to support who ever ends up on the democratic ticket if it is not my candidate because that is not how I vote. Looking at the candidates Giuliana looked like a viable Republican candidate. He definitely took care of New York after 911 and he supports gay rights and abortion. Now I have cause to wonder who he is. Is he misrepresenting himself to the evangelical Christians or is he misrepresenting himself to his constituents. There is no way that he can make that statement and truly be for gay rights and pro abortion. A professor I had at Columbia University once said to me that the real news is in not what is said but what is not said so I have learned to look beneath the surface. “Something is rotten in Denmark”, and because I don’t know who the real Giuliani is I have omitted him from my list of alternatives. I encourage others to do the same.

Pat Robertson – An Image of Hypocrisy

Claudette Milner — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 10:10:02 EST

Pat Robertson has endorsed Rudy Giuliani for president. Maybe I have had my head in the clouds but I would have voted 1 to 1 billion that the man that has spoken out against abortion and gay marriage would now endorse a candidate that believes in both.

These are two of Robertson’s quotes:

ABORTION: “We cannot continue to murder unborn babies by the millions in America without sooner or later incurring the wrath of Almighty God and destroying everything we have decent in our society. Because if you can murder a baby when he’s viable at 21 months, weeks, you can also murder him after he’s born. And you can murder an old person who’s in the way. And that’s exactly what Adolph Hitler did, and that’s where we’re moving in this country...And it incredible that those who claim to be liberal have got blood on their hands. They’ve got this desire to murder.” 700 Club, March 21, 1990 (Courtesy of People for the American Way) HOMOSEXUALITY: "The radical left is doing everything they can to destroy the moral fiber of America. They want to do away with the family. I am absolutely persuaded one of the reasons so many lesbians are at the forefront of the pro-choice movement is because being a mother is the unique characteristic of womanhood, and these lesbians will never be mothers naturally, so they don't anybody else to have that privilege either." 700 Club, May 18, 1993 (Courtesy of People for the American Way) Let me not be a hypocrite. I think abortion is murder but I am pro-choice. I believe that every individual has a right to make their own decision based on their moral code. This issue is very personal to me and I still face my own demons so I am not passing judgment on those that have made this decision. My disillusionment is that one cannot say that he is a man of God and that he is against abortion and gay marriage and support a candidate that supports these issues. I am very concerned that this has not caused a ripple effect in the Christian community. How can you support a presidential candidate that will not support Roe vs Wade and will support Gay marriage? Mr. Robertson, your excuse is that what you have considered the word of God is no longer important if it conflicts with your political interest. My question is will you be running in the next election supporting abortion and gay marriage if it’s the only way to win? I guess for you the end justifies the support. Your endorsement alone should keep Christians from voting for Giuliani. It is the hypocrisy that I am having a hard time digesting and something your supporters should definitely question. Is abortion only wrong when it fits your agenda?Will the real Pat Robertson please stand up.

Democrat Strategist Wanted - After Eight Years We Still Don’t Have a Strategy

Claudette Milner — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 09:37:16 EST

After losing the election to Clinton republicans developed a strategy for winning the next election. They put conservative issues on the ballot in order to bring voters to the polls. No matter how repulsed I was it worked. The democrat’s strategy was to use celebrities to register voters but unfortunately it didn’t get them to the polls.

On Monday night I received a voice mail message from a democratic candidate wanting to secure my vote. She also gave a plug for the Democratic candidate for mayor. I called the person back and advised her that although I appreciated her call I had early voted and considering that a percentage of voters vote before the actual election shouldn’t this message have been left earlier. My second question would be if this person had my phone number and really cared about my vote why was this my first contact with her? I read all election mail that comes in my mail box. I received a few flyers requesting my vote but I did not receive any information regarding the candidates, rallies to attend or details of their platform. I remember when John Brown ran for governor of Kentucky. He was a last minute candidate in the race. Mr. Brown rented Louisville Downs and invited registered democrats and their families to join him for a day of family fun. Food was served and there were many speeches but then he shook hands with people in the crowd. My father, a born again democrat was excited to be there. This event sealed his vote. He felt like his vote mattered to the party. My father was not someone that would simply give his vote to a candidate. We spent many hours writing to Senator Ford during my teenage years because in my father’s mind he had made a mistake in his vote and my dad wanted him to defend the vote. Someone always responded to my father. My father was not a formerly educated man. He stayed in the army for 22 years. He was a laborer. He loved this country. He read the paper and kept up with politics. He encouraged my interest.

We are in an age of technology. There is no excuse for democratic candidates not to do their homework, not to study demographic charts, not to invite democratic constituents to functions where we can discuss issues one on one. Why do candidates only invite voters that support their interest? There are many independent voters that want to be courted and given an opportunity to hear your platform and give their thoughts.

The big question is how can we possibly lose considering the record of the Bush administration? The answer is by taking our voting base for granted, by not courting voters, by not creating a platform that will turn affect real change in this country, by not putting bills on the ballot that will increase voter participation, and by not having a strategy. Wake up democrats this is your election to lose and you have done an excellent job of losing the last two elections. I keep reading about all the money that has been raised for various campaigns. Let’s take the money and spend it in the community. Let’s get to know the voting public and pay community leaders to do grass roots work. During the last election volunteers came out to my house to encourage me to vote but they never talked about the record of the candidate or the platform. Democrats we need some work. Whatever your party I encourage you to register to vote. It is a matter of urgency.

Glen Miller Story

Claudette Milner — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 10:16:31 EDT

While flipping through the stations last night I saw the Glenn Miller Story. I immediately clicked select and sat back to watch the movie. Of course I have seen this movie several times but his story is very inspirational. I noticed something this time around though. Glen Miller had a dream, he was looking for a sound that would continue throughout time but it was his wife that wouldn't let him quit. When other girls were dreaming about their wedding, I was dreaming of a ranch with six horses. I would get up every day ride and then sit down by the water and write. Sometimes I would pull out my sketch pad and create wonderful scenic pictures. Years have gone by and I am still holding on to that dream. This year has been a journey of faith for me. I have put book three on hold so I can find a second job. Sometimes it seems that life interrupts our dreams, crushing our creativity, deferring what we know God has promised us. There are times that I question my genre. My nephew tells me I should write urban fiction, sex, drugs and violence. My mom saids that Tyler Perry must be a genius because he has made millions. I respect Tyler Perry the man. I have seen him on many shows and I have much admiration for his story and his journey. I understand his mission but I don't like his plays. My daughters say I am hating. I come from the old school so I have read Baldwin, Langston Hughes, Richard Wright, James Weldon Johnson,just to name a few of the great writers that wrote using symbolism. I wonder what they would say about African American writers of today. When I look at great movies I always ask myself the question. Why can't we as African Americans make great movies on a consistent basis. Movies that I will look at for years over and over again. It seems that there are a small group of actors that I see in every African American movie. There is so much talent in our community but we must create strong roles, great roles that project our inner strengh and creativity. I have always wanted John Singleton to direct my tv series. No he has never heard of me but I have loved his work since Higher Learning. Today I am just sad and tired of being sick and tired, tired of shifting around the finances to make ends meet, tired of deferring my dreams. Since I don't have a trust fund and I don't have money to waste on the lottery I guess life is what it is so I will spend the day under the cover, have a pitty party, get up tomorrow go to work and spend my lunch hour finding that second job. I guess my bloging time is over.

Early Voting - Completed

Claudette Milner — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 16:24:03 EDT

The wonderful thing about voting in North Carolina is that you can vote a few weeks before the election at the local library. This came in very handy during the last presidential election although the wait was about 30-45 minutes long. Today's election was for mayor, school board, and of course bonds. As you ride down the highway there are two signs most prominent. Bonds don't educate vote no and Vote yes. I have voted for the same mayor for the last few years. My father is turning over in his grave because he is a republician but he was the best candidate. I know that we need physical improvements in the structure of our schools but I would rather we put the money in programs directly benefiting education. My granddaughter is enrolled in pre-kindergarten. We have had to pick her up early because the heat or the air conditioning wasn't working. The building needs money but then at the last school meeting the overall raise for staff was 2%.

Everyday I take my granddaughter to school. We are priviledged to have her in school. Not being able to afford private school we drive her over accross town to attend school because the school in our area has a long waiting list. Education is important to us so we work together. The teachers are warm and caring. They allow us to have imput into Alexandria's education. I must admit however that my grandchildren's education does not begin at 8:15AM and end at 2:30 PM. The school sends home two books a night for the children to read with the help of their parents. We utilize PBSKIDS.org and I tape educational programs such as Superwhy and Barney to reinforce other educational activities that we play with both children. Because of the devotion of the staff I had to weigh whether to vote for the bonds are not. Is it more important that we build new and improved schools or that we use money to provide a better standard of education for our children? Under a new administration hopefully states won't have to make this choice.

The “Oprah Syndrome”

Claudette Milner — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 10:32:41 EDT

In 2003 my first book was released “Children of Plains Estates”. Of course I felt I had written the next great American novel and was waiting for the call from Oprah. Fast forward to a year later, and after looking at my royalty checks reality kicked in, and I started to learn the fundamentals of my business. I developed a press kit, bought books from the published and began blazing the trails. I traveled from Philadelphia, Martinsburg Virginia, even Las Vegas to sell my book. I interviewed on internet radio, sent out press releases and attended literary fairs. Fortunately I was working at a job that allowed me to work 10 hour shifts. I would work overtime and bonus on a monthly basis in order to afford to travel. I was one of many writers working for their dream. I was very discouraged at this point. When I visited schools and spoke with children I knew I was making a difference but I still did not have a vehicle to reach a larger segment of the population. Not having a mainstream publisher, one is immediately rejected in the literary world. There are no publishers weekly review, no New York Times reviews so the public is unaware of your work. As I perused the internet one day I came upon a European paper that read “Claudette Milner has written the best western paperback published in 2004”. Of course I printed the page. I needed this kind of affirmation. My second book is soon to be released. I have learned a great deal in the last three years but the most important is that by God’s grace I am a writer. I am merely an instrument being used for his purpose. There is a message for the church and the world in my writing. I have learned to answer the difficult questions. I am an African American writer that has stepped out of the box. I don’t write urban fiction, or romance. I will not male bash. I present characters of all races, religion, and class. My mission is global. Although I understand that television is a business I will still be sending out those countless emails to the talk shows because I believe that one day my angel will whisper in someone’s ear and my voice will be heard. If you would like a sneak review of “Unheard Voices” email me. My website is www.publishedauthors.net/claudettemilner/index.html

Mint Museum and CAAWNC join efforts to benefit At-Risk-Teens

Claudette Milner — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 09:58:40 EDT

I grew up knowing that I had an obligation to God, my family, my community, and my race. I reared my children with this same philosophy. I began my professional volunteerism working for VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) in 1980 working for the Battered Women’s Task force/ Legal Aid in Topeka, Kansas. As a writer I have centered my focus on the struggles and victories of children. I belong to two writer’s groups. The CAAWNC (Charlotte African American Writers) and WOW (Wizards of Words) which is an international writers group. Through WOW I have had the privilege of participating in two Author-thons sponsored by Walden-Books and organized by author D’Maria Scaglione to raise money for selected charities.

On November 17, 2007, CAAW will sponsor a benefit in order to raise funds for AT-Risk Teens in the Grier Heights Community. The wonderful thing about this project is that it is a joint effort of the Mint Museum and CAAW. The Mint Museum is providing the space for the benefit and CAAW will conduct a series of workshops for the targeted community. I am an advocate for the Children’s Health Care Bill. I am an advocate of a true No Child Left Behind Bill. I am an advocate of higher pay for educators and better learning facilities but I am realistic enough to know that these policies in themselves will not solve the problem of decreasing our deficiencies in our educational system. It is going to take community involvement, partnerships of major businesses working with community groups in order to affect change. I applaud the efforts of the Mint Museum to make a difference in the Charlotte Community. My prayer is that more businesses will follow their example.

Charlotte, N.C.—The Charlotte African American Writers (CAAW) presents “The Literature and Arts Review II” 5 o’clock P.M. at the Mint Museum 2730 Randolph Rd. on Saturday November 17, 2007. The event will highlight a variety of local and national writers, performers, poets, dancers, artwork and playwrights. Proceeds from the benefit will be donated to the At Risk Teens program within the Charlotte community The venue will start with book signings of 20 local/national authors. Amongst the gifted writers, the group will feature the profound motivational speaker/author Mr. Carl Neely. Mr. Neely is the author of the non-fiction book, “Seeing The Invisible Doing the Impossible,” the book addresses the insights of being unstoppable in your quest for success. Mr. Neely’s latest book, “IVision, you can make it happen,” is also a non-fiction self-help/motivational book that touches the minds of readers. It identifies ideas and the principals to staying motivated in-order to achieve and accomplish your goals. The thought provoking, page-turning book, exemplifies how to obtain success that can be seen and not necessary tangible. This will be IVision's début; it is fresh off the press—released from print Nov. 2007. A one act play: “Under The Sacred Robe,” written by Tony Bellamy, and directed by Xavier Zsarmani. “Under the Sacred Robe,” displays the power and control delivered from the Pulpit concerning the engagement between husbands and wives within the congregation. It depicts ways to release oneself from the negative authorities encountered while embracing spiritual nourishment. Mr. Zsarmani, has produced many plays, his most nationally notable play was,” If These Teens Could Talk.” www.xazier-zsarmani.com The talented quartet “Grace Squared,” will perform from their debut CD. Four gifted young ladies with tear dropping, harmonic blended, angelic voices shall mesmerize the audience. The Senior African Drummers will display their talents at the beat of their drums, under the direction of Ms. Debra Scott. Other performances includes: An array of poetry from members/local poets, a dance group from the Latta Dance Ensemble, and a slue of authors and special guest. Come join us and help raise money and awareness for a worthy cause. Tickets are only 20.00$. The event will start at 5 PM. You can purchase tickets from any member of the Charlotte African American Writers (CAAW). For more info please contact: Clayton F. Brown @704 777 8317, founder, or Tony Bellamy @704 241 0190 or Claudette Milner @ 704 281 9363

My thoughts on Donnie McClurkin

Claudette Milner — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 16:14:52 EDT

Just My Thoughts

At 50 years old I am new to blogging. I love it. I realize that I am just another person writing her thoughts but I enjoy it. As a mother, grandmother, writer, and lay person I am like many women that have things to say. I have decided to support Senator Obama so of course I read everything in the press. The latest uproar happens to be Donnie McClurkin singing at the gospel rally. I have listened to Mr. McClurkin’s albums and I am not anti-gay. My question is should I as a writer research the background and every statement a person makes before I associate with them? I agree that in many cases a person is defined by the people or person’s that they associate with but isn’t that thought a little short sighted.

I am a juvenile fiction writer. My topics include, race, AIDS, domestic violence, adoption, absentee parents and child molestation. I write certain things that could be thought of as racist or classist in order to educate and open a topic of dialogue. Donnie McClurkin is a gospel singer. I don’t believe that his participation in this event defines who Senator Obama is as an individual or his beliefs. I do however believe that America needs change and this candidate can accomplishes this goal.

We live in a country with diverse lifestyles. We must respect each individual’s choice. Our ultimate goal is that we can unite this country and treat each individual with dignity and respect. Mr. McClurkin has a different view point but I ask this question which I think is the most important. Has he ever treated anyone different because they were gay? Has he disrespected another individual because they have a different sexual orientation? There are two schools of thought even among the gay community. The first is that an individual is born gay and the other is that it is a choice. Isn’t Mr. McClurkin allowed to have an opinion? I would hope that instead of protests this issue will bring us to a table of discussion instead of a table of protest.

I hope that there will be more meetings with this candidate and more discussion. I see this as a positive instead of a negative. I see it as an open door for discussion and a pathway to unite people of different backgrounds, race, and sexual preference. It is going to take the unity of all Americans to make this country better. We need all voices to count.

After seven years in office President Bush is still shifting the blame for his failures when it comes to Domestic Issues.

Claudette Milner — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 10:16:21 EDT

While researching the candidates for the 2004 election I gave President Bush a grade of D on his handling of domestic issues. The Republican Party ran their election based on homophobic fear and the security of our nation. During the debates President Bush asked the country to give him another four years and he would implement plans for quality education, health care reform, and better energy sources. Four years later these plans still have not been implemented. Instead of taking responsibility for a health care system that leaves 45 million Americans without health coverage, a leave no child behind program that has only managed to pad the pockets of administrators at the expense of quality education for all students, an increased dependency on oil, and a war that is costing 247 million a day while we have Americans that are homeless and living in poverty, President Bush holds a press conference and blames his inability to lead on the Democrats. President Bush vetoed the children health insurance bill then blamed it on the Democrats. President Bush the health and possible lives of our children was in your hands. You chose the needs of the tobacco industry over the lives of our children. It wasn’t the democrats. Your response is that the house and the senate need to come back to the table with a cheaper bill and yet you ask for 189 billion dollars for Iraq. How can you look into the eyes of our children and explain to them why they can’t go to the doctor unless they are extremely ill because the wealthiest country in the world can not give its children preventive care. Each Senator and Congressman is responsible for their vote. The House failed to overthrow the veto last week. It is my prayer that we as Americans will stand as advocates for our children and vote out those that refuse to protect our children’s interest over the interest of special interest groups.I am appealing to parents like myself that want the best for our children.

My decision to Support Senator Obama

Claudette Milner — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 10:12:46 EDT

I have been on the fence in supporting a presidential candidate. After much thought and research I will vote for Senator Barack Obama because I believe that he is the right choice. Barack Obama is a man of integrity. He understands the needs of this country. I attended his rally and I saw an audience of diversity. I saw a man that was not afraid to discuss the issues that plague America. I saw a man that took a stand against Iraq putting his election to the senate at risk. I see a man that will stand up for our children that will fight for universal health care and that will keep jobs in America. I see a man that believes in equality in justice and has fought for it for over twenty years.

"Unheard Voices" Sneak Preview

Claudette Milner — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 13:08:25 EDT

I am so excited about my upcoming sequel "Unheard Voices" Here's a synopsis of what to expect. If you haven't read "Children of Plains Estates" you can purchase it on Amazon or Target.com

My mission is global. We live in a diverse society. There are those that feel as an African American I should limit my writing to African American characters. Our country is divided among race,class, religion, and gender. I believe that the story of every child should be told. My prayer is that through my series of books the dialogue will be opened and we as a country will begin to heal.

Three Cheers for Senator Baucus.

Claudette Milner — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 12:50:43 EDT

Senator Max Baucus democrat from Montana asked his colleagues on Saturday during his radio show to override President Bush's veto of the of the children's health insurance bill. This is what we need in politics. A person ready to stand up and take a stand for our children. He made this statement. " Every Republican must decide whether they will stand with the president or his veto, or stand with our children and their right to a healthy future." Democrats have scheduled a for a vote to override the veto. We all know that the overriding of the legislation is left in the hands of the Republicians.

Let me pose this question to Republicans? Can you look at your children, and your constiuents with family in the face and say I voted against this bill. How can you claim that you are the party that can protect us from war if you will vote for the health insurance companies over the health of our children? We are at war in the United States. We are war against poverty, homelessness, AIDS, lack of health care. We need to win this war at home.

President Bush, we know your stand. The war on Iraq is more important than the health of our children. The profits of big business are more important than the future of our children. Quality education is a priviledge of the rich. Health insurance is limited only to the very poor and those that can afford its cost.

I encourage Republicans to separate yourself from the administration and vote for what is right. Each candidate individually leaves his or her own legacy. Will your legacy be that you had a choice to make and you didn't choose the health care of our children. I hope that at every rally that is held each candidate will be held accountable for his vote this week. It is not the rhetoric and empty promises that will be the defining moment of your campaign it will be your votes.