Candice E. Cox, LMSW
Volunteer Program Director
We’re still waiting for our middle class cut Mr. President. Huh??? We’ve already gotten our tax cut but most people don’t know that because the White House hasn’t hammered the message home. President Obama has delivered a tax cut for 95% of working Americans but Republicans are still drowning us in noisy claims that the president is raising taxes.
We are on a hstoric path to becoming the "community" of Bellflower. I recall the first time that I saw the sign that stands facing Alondra from the South End of Bellflower near the old railroad tracks. It reads "Make Bellflower Your Home." What a wonderful and inviting sign... Yet, I know that it will take more than a mere sign to make this a true "home" where all who are within it can grow together as a connected community. Yet, I know that it can be done. We are a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, group of people of various educational, economic, religious, etc backgrounds and beliefs. We have a richness of spirit here that has emerged overtime...and the time has come for us to become a caring community. A first step in doing that is perhaps to come to know each other better, to know our hopes and dreams for our families, our neighborhoods, our children, our parents, our poor, our homeless, our professionals, our immigrants, our middle class, our wealthy, our small business owners and workers, .... The list could go on and on but I think that you get the picture. I want to hear about each of you. I want this blog to be a place where you can provide us with a positive glimpse into your life your concerns, and most of all your talents that may benefit us all as we move towards truly becoming a community. Please talk to us.... We will be hosting a series of meetings in homes to dig deeper into how we can all make a difference...and we need to hear from you.... Let's start the new year together.
Dr. Willingham-Toure'
In his first weekly address, President-elect Obama today noted that while the road ahead to economic recovery is long, we will get there if "each of us resolves to pitch in." Americans yearn to do just that, though many are justifiably suspect of increased taxes being effectively utilized by the federal government to help hard-working fellow citizens who need some help achieving the dream. More likely, folks expect the money will get "lost" in the pockets of Capitol Hill.
So if we want to "spread the wealth," here's an idea to do just that. Instead of increasing taxes, create a fund backed by the Federal Government and managed by an independent financial/economic titan Americans trust (e.g. Warren Buffett) that is dedicated to helping American families and small businesses get through this tough economic period. Targeted at households earning $100,000 or more, the 24-month American Families & Small Business Investment Fund would be offered as a payroll option workers could allocate a small percentage of their salary toward with a tax-free benefit and nominal yield at its closing in 2011. In turn, the fund will act as a microcredit source for qualifying families and small businesses that need short-term financial assistance in this challenging time … it’s the 21st century American version of the Grameen Bank. Here’s how it works:
TODAY
· Jane the architect currently earns $4,000 a week - $208,000 a year.
· Approx. 8.8% of Jane’s weekly salary goes to pre-tax deductions for medical, dental, vision and 401k.
· Another 25.6% of Jane’s weekly salary goes to federal Taxes, Social Security, and Medicare.
· This leaves Jane with $2,715 a week.
ENTER THE FUND
· Starting in January 2009, Jane elects a payroll option to have 3% of her weekly salary invested in the American Families & Small Business Investment Fund - $109 a week or $5,668 annually at a tax-free, 2% interest rate – leaving Jane with $2,606 a week.
· The fund allows qualifying families and businesses to take short-term loans at a flat interest rate of 2.5% - different loan caps for families and businesses and payment terms TBD; “qualifying” is not based solely on ability to repay but more so on the difficulty of the economic situation facing the applicant.
· The 2.5% interest rate goes to pay fund investors 2% interest with the other half-percent covering fund operating, processing, and default costs (bad loans are anticipated to be few - Grameen Bank reports just 1.78% in bad debt).
· Jane opts to invest $109 a week for the full 24 months, though participants can opt-out at any point (those who encounter economic difficulty themselves during the period can withdraw early less the taxes they would have paid on the amount invested).
· The fund closes on December 31, 2010, and Jane will be paid out $11,562 in 2011 – first half in January with the balance in July.
There are over 19 million households in the U.S. earning $100,000 or more. If just 30% participated at an average of $65 per week, the fund would generate over $38.5 billion in two years. If the average loan value is $7,500, the fund could help over 5.1 million American families and small businesses. In turn, it will also generate over $770 million in interest for investors.
TEN REASONS WHY ANGELS SUPPORT THE MESSAGE OF HOPE BY PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA
WE HAVE HOPE FOR PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA, WE HAVE HOPE FOR THIS NATION AND WE HAVE HOPE FOR A BETTER WORLD. see SCRIPTURE DEDICATION
11-4 TRULY A DAY that God designed from the foundation of the world and 11-4 can be, will be, and must always be known as 'A DAY AMERICA BECAME ONE NATION'.
Thank you Mr. President.
NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER LOSE HOPE, NEVER DOUBT, DREAMS DO COME TRUE
IT IS TIME FOR ALL NATIONS TO JOIN IN A MORE PERFECT UNION - GENERATION OBAMANATION
Supporters are encouraged to SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWS FEED
Hello. I'm a Filipino American living in Brooklyn with my wife and daughter. I have several relatives living in swing states (Ohio, Michigan) who traditionally vote Republican, and I thought one way I could make a small contribution to Barack's campaign was to start a conversation with those relatives about our different political views. So I recently sent each of them a respectful letter to get the conversation started, laying out my opinions and asking for theirs. If even just one letter sparks a discussion that ends up persuading them to at least consider voting for Barack, I feel the effort will have been worth it.
I thought I'd share that letter here in case it's useful for anyone else out there who's wondering how to broach the subject of politics to their families. This approach is what I feel works for me, although it may not for you. I tried to research my points as well as I could, but if you see that I'm wrong on any of my facts, please feel free to comment. Following an introductory "How are you?" paragraph (personalized for each relative, of course), here's the text of the letter:
The Free Cuba Film Series creates global unity.
The American public continues to speak out, wanting to see Cuba.
10 New screening locations in one week and growing fast!
Premiering tomorrow, Saturday, September 6th at 6PM in
Beverly Hills, CA - Fine Arts Theatre -
Journalist and other members of the media are speaking out for Max Lesnik,
the focus of the documentary "The Man of Two Havana's" in the Free Cuba Films Series.
Mr. Lesnik had lived his journalistic career with death threats, political warfare
and multiple bombing against his Magazine, family and his life.
All simply because he spoke/speaks out for America uniting with Cuba verse avoiding our neighbors.
"It's overwhelming clear the majority of the American population wants to unite with Cuba."
Filmmaker Luis Moro.
The first film in the series is, Cuba's Love and Suicide, a true love story set in Havana;
the second film, Havana KidZ, is the kid's version of Buena Vista Social Club;
the third film, The Man of Two Havana's, delivers true accounts of the direct family relationship between
U.S. politicians, Cuban-American terrorist and Fidel Castro.
The evening is an entertaining, uplifting and an educationally revealing experience.
The films bring audiences into the real Cuba with their own eyes.
My name is Aaron Edgell. As a 38 year old man with a nueromuscular disease, I have seen great strides made in our country in relation to disability issues. I started my first year of school in 1975 and in that year, laws were passed to allow disabled kids to attend public school as a choice. This allowed me to become part of the mainsteam population and not be "hidden away" as many kids unfortunately were in private educational institutions. My parents made every effort to ensure that my life would be normal despite my disability.
My school years were difficult to say the very least. While most kids were concerned with normal school activities, I was worried about how far apart classes were, where was the closest bathroom, and how was I going to carry all my books. I eventually made it through high school, albeit a year late but I never allowed myself to quit and eventually finished.
In 1990, disabled people across the country were finally awarded the protection of the law that until then had been elusive. It was then that we collectively had a voice that would allow us to stand on equal ground with our fellow Americans. We as a group have benefited greatly from the ADA laws.
It was during this time that I had just begun college. Although there was a disability services office in my school, I was often too proud to ask for the help it would take for me to perform well in school and that was my fault. I spent many years in school until I finally swallowed my pride and went into the vocational rehabilitation office at my university and asked for help. It was the best decision I ever made. After 17 years of a "never say die" attitude, I finally graduated from Arizona State University in 2006.
Now to my real point. I had recieved Supplemental Security Income, from the government, as a way to support myself. This form of Social Security is actually a form of welfare handed out by the government.
Late in 2002, I met the woman that I would marry in August 2003. Before I could marry her though, I had to decide whether I wanted the very limited financial security that my check brought or did I want the love and affection of an outstanding woman. Not only was I gaining a wife, but also two beautiful daughters as well. I was forced to make this decision because the government has decided that once an individual marries, they are no longer the burden of the government, but the burden of their spouse. As if a single mother with two kids didn't have enough to worry about, now she has a disabled dependent until which time, I have graduated and begun working.
My question is this, "Is it fair that a disabled person and the person they love are penalized by the government for wanting to do what most people take for granted?" Also, "Shouldn't the government want to strengthen families instead of standing in the way?" Had it not been for the love of an exceptional human being, I would never know the joy of loving a woman as my wife or being there to assist in the developement of two kids I love so dearly. I thank god every day for these three people in my life.
What I would like to see happen now is, eliminate the penalty for getting married if you recieve SSI. Allow disabled people to contribute financially as well as emotionally to the family unit. Many disabled people are not in a position to educate themselves and move away from government assistence. Does that mean they are also incapable of loving and being loved? The answer is, certainly not.
It has been said, "The true measure of a civilized society, is how well it cares for its disadvantaged". Can we as Americans say that we are truly civilized to that point? I hope so, but I think not!
Hello, friends and fellow supporters of Sen. Obama,
Our circle of life has turned into a "square shaped" area that is going to hold the most important fighting match of our lives. Two opponents have entered the ring. One of these very importanat contenders will determine how we live our day to day lives in a personal governing situation.
If you haven't noticed, "now it's personal". The future of "we the people" is the "wager".
The victory of our country, our real and loving families is the Prize. We need a true champion to win this match. Because a true champion will be and can be a real leader! We have to act as though we are in the same fight. Going each round with our heads up high and looking no where but forward. Never letting our guard down. Our contender needs the support and belief from us that he will win. Our "fighter" needs to know that we are in the same corner!!
Sen. Obama is strong! He has a voice that speaks and sounds security. He knows how to throw an intellegent punch! He is ready to lead us to the best prize possible.
Soon: Pros and Cons of each contender;
Sincerely, Victoria
Use the link below to see the names and faces of those who have died, so far, in Iraq. Send a message of appreiation. How is the family doing?
Then, sign up to make phone calls for Obama. We do not want to fight in the Middle East for 100 years, as McCain says we may.
Vote for Barack Obama
.......
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2003/iraq/forces/casualties/
I enjoy fighting the opponents that does not know where my economic life resides. Bush nor McCain do not have a clue. Further, To be apart of letting the Press know my views, this is very empowering. If anyone has not signed up for this special connection is missing out and missing a great opportunity to express your views and in your own words. I usually write the letter out first, then check grammar and proof read it three to four times before I respond. Here is my most current letter to the editors; read it, let me know what you think:
John McCain's Website promotes himself as a man "Ready From Day One." Do I trust that claim when Mr. McCain does not know How many houses he owns? Do I trust this man as President of the USA when He does not know how many homes he has? It was a simply question for which he did not have a clear answer. Will his mental ability include remembering that the American people need someone schooled in the fundamentals of our economy? Will He have solutions that will have solid bi-partisan results?
I tend to believe the answer to all of these questions is "NO." McCain's Logic does not appear to understand who the Middle Class are. When Rick Warren asked McCain to define "Rich," his answer was very scary. I have no chance of ever making $5million or more in this hostel economic environment. This is not the resume of someone who even understands what $4 gas and $4 milk does to my little budget.
Barack Obama will be ready on Day One since he has a clear understanding that the middle class are regular everyday people far below the earning capacity of $1 million dollar in one year. His sound plans for his future administration are clear. He puts Middle class families first. His plans address their needs to send their children to college, obtain and keep a home with a reasonable mortgage, proposes a better benefit plan for military families, proposes policies to have Family friendly leave within our job benefits, denies big oil tax breaks, proposes more tax breaks for the middle class, and proposes a better health care programs for Americans. Barack Obama is the clear choice for American Families. In my Opinion, Barack Obama would provide the intelligence and sound judgment that is desperately needed in the people's White House.
Even though it may not look like it or feel like it, you are making progress.
Continue working towards progress instead of perfection.
Nothing or no no one is perfect.
Just keep taking steps.
Keep making those phone calls.
Continue following your plan.
Remain focused on your goal.
Do what you have to do right now to get to the next level.
Complete every task.
Keep every promise and commitment.
Don't look back.
Let no one weaken your walk of faith and determination.
Remain teachable.
Place yourself in a blessing position by associating with people on-the-grow.
Talk with teachers.
Walk with winners.
Climb with champions.
Study successful people.
Something great is about to happen for you!
Start giving thanks right now before you can even see the outward manisfestation of your prayers and desires.
Everything you do from this day forward will take you further away or closer to your potential for successful living.
-by Dr. Jewel Diamond Taylor, Motivational Speaker & Author
This is my first post as a new member of my.barackobama.com. I am also a fairly new blogger, having been inspired in part by Obama's candidacy to get my voice out there. Over the next several weeks, I will post to my main blog, Opinion Streams, a series of articles laying out Barack Obama’s position on the issues that matter most to me and discussing how those positions differ from - and are better than - John McCain’s. The first article in that series makes the case for the superiority of Obama's healthcare plan. Barack Obama's healthcare proposal approaches universal healthcare, bringing the U.S. in line with other industrialized nations, and promises to be more affordable and inclusive than John McCain's. McCain's plan, by contrast, will place far too much of a burden on lower and middle income Americans and will do little to decrease skyrocketing costs.
Here's the link for the full article: http://opinionstreams.com/blog/?p=24
I will post updates to this blog as I continue the series. I really hope you enjoy this post and the series. I look forward to meeting and discussing this and other issues with you all.
Rob J.
Obama clearly does not understand the concept of a professional working mother, because he is out to destroy the concept.
Dual income working families have little to no spare time. It is non existent.Two married professionals, making 125K each, married filing jointly, are currently with the Bush tax cuts paying 87,500 approximately in fed taxes after exemptions (which are phased out at the level), 23,000 for the privilege of living in MC and Maryland, 14,140 in social security taxes, and 3600 in Medicare for good measure. So one income is almost completely consumed by taxes - 124,033. However, if they have kids under school age, they are probably paying a nanny. Nannys run about 25,000 a year in after tax money. Minimum of 10,000 a year for one kid for day care. So actually they have about 100,967 of income left. If mom quits, that same couple at 125,000 of income would have 86445 of expendable income after taxes. So working mom under Bush is working for approximately 15,000 a year until her kids are old enough not to need that nanny or daycare. Assume about 10 years. And mom and dad are stressed all the time juggling.Same couple, Obama plan. Mom is now working for 1500 a year, because that couples fed is now 96127, state is 12,500, local is 7500 and social security is 17,500 and medicare is 3625. Taxes under this scenario : 138K. Tax home pay after you pay 25K for child care is $1500.00. Take home pay even after you raise your kids : 26.5K.Why would Mom work ever continue to work under these circumstances ? For an extra $1500 and a whole lot more stress ?
With our graduated extremely progressive tax scale, and the restoration of the marriage penalty relief (expires with the Bush tax cuts)...
Simply no point in working.
For the college educated single working young women out there, were you planning on having kids ? were you planning on going into management ? Your friend Barack is out to kill your career aspirations.
Stability.
According to research from the Barna Group, most Americans just want stability.
http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdateNarrowPreview&BarnaUpdateID=301
There were six specific conditions that at least three-quarters of all adults identified as being very important elements in their ideal life. Those included having good physical health (listed by 85%), living with a high degree of integrity (also 85%), having one marriage partner for life (80%), having a clear purpose for living (77%), having a close relationship with God (75%), and having close, personal friendships (74%).
There were another half-dozen items listed by at least half of the adults interviewed. Those conditions included having a comfortable lifestyle (mentioned by 70%), having a satisfying sex life with their marriage partner (66%), having children (66%), living close to family and relatives(63%), being deeply committed to the Christian faith (59%), and making a difference in the world (56%).
The survey uncovered seven conditions that only a minority of Americans deemed worthy of including in their vision of their desired future life. Those conditions included having a college degree (named by 46%), being personally active in a church (45%), traveling throughout the world for pleasure (28%), working in a high-paying job (28%), owning a large home (18%), owning the latest household technology/electronics (11%) and achieving fame or public recognition (7%).
I have a great suggestion for Senator McCain; the healthcare plan you are proposing to the American people, I would truly appreciate your acceptance of said healthcare plan. Not only for yourself but for your family as well. I "truly" appreciate that you would be so kind for giving us $2,000 (or $2,500 - I do not remember) per year for a single person and $5,000 for a family. How kind of you to allow the American people such an honor.
I wonder specifically, what Senator McCain and his family have as healthcare?
Forget it if you have a pre-existing condition, we the people would be in big trouble. Cancer, ALS, AIDS, etc. forget it, under McCain's plan.
WE THE PEOPLE pay them, how in the World can he have better coverage than we the people of the "UNITED" States of America.
A LITTLE FOOD FOR THOUGHT...
[What follows is an open letter to Barack and his team of Economic Advisers, that I will be taking with me to the Chapel Hill, North Carolina meeting of Barack's North Carolina Economic Forum.]
Dear Barack,Better than 'Bitter': "FOCUS '08"I will be attending the Chapel Hill meeting of your North Carolina Economic Forum on April 15, 2008.There, I will be urging you and your team of Economic Advisers to adopt into your campaign policy my proposition, FOCUS '08, a simple, yet powerful proposition that offers comfort to all working families who currently live in fear of losing their homes and jobs, or who feel they can't make ends meet because of rising food and gas prices (www.focusonpoverty.blogspot.com).FOCUS '08 declares that:'Every man, woman and child in the United States should have access to adequate food, clothing, housing and healthcare.'I am registered as an unaffiliated voter in North Carolina, and frankly, I consider myself to be undecided until the moment my pen hits the ballot paper. However, there is much about you and your camapign, Barack, that attracts me. Not least your obvious empathy with working people.
It is, therefore, as a friend of your efforts that I write this letter, and although painfully blunt (and something tells me you won't mind that!), it is offered solely in a spirit of helpfulness. So, to business:
It is a brave man, Barack, who advances an honest analysis of dire economic conditions, without immediately accompanying it with a concise summary of the uplifting policy that will address resolution - wrapped up in language that enrolls rather than offends.
This last point, in particular, should now be crystal clear in light of the temporary hiccup that has followed your 'bitter' speech last weekend.
Mind you, what you said was spot on - as an incisive checklist of the frustrations of working people in America. I should know. I am one of America's angry working poor.
It is only those who are truly elitist and out of touch who would suggest our anxieties do not exist, and who would deny that it is all too easy to find unhealthy ways to vent those anxieties - and that there are those who would feed on the latter fact.
Goodness knows it's nice to have a politician who has the guts to be honest and straightforward. But, to be equally honest, what was a little unfortunate, Barack, was your language, and the fact that you chose not to accompany the analysis with a simple breakdown of your recommended solutions.
Without wishing to appear too presumptuous, I hope you won't mind if I use the opportunity of the Forum meeting to help you out a tad, and offer a couple of ideas that might assist you in addressing both of these issues.
For some years now, America's working folk - whether in the cities or in the country - have watched helplessly as power-mongers and the elite in political and financial circles have caused the American economy wildly to ride the waves, and then to crash into the abyss.
Why helplessly? Because all this has meant for us is more jobs lost, more plants shut down, our homes under threat, prices rising, the bar continually raised and our lives constantly squeezed.
Democrats, to whom I have spoken, have openly wondered why, through all this, more and more of my working friends have found themselves turning to the likes of George Bush, and now John McCain.
I tell these Democrats that, at a time of seeming inability to cope, at a time when all seems so weak, it is easy to turn to the appearance of strength and experience - however false the promise of that strength and experience may be.
When you sense that your country has abandoned you, and there is little point in trying, it is too easy to find paths of escapism. One of the easiest is a political philosophy that says it's ok to take that anger and convert it into hatred and envy and revenge.
When we are told that the real problem lies overseas, it's all too easy to respond to a pseudo-call for patriotism and sense of duty, and to cheer on a war, even though we now know that war is both futile and dishonest - and, moreover, it is killing a disproportionate amount of the sons and daughters of our working familes.
And where have the Democrats been, to offer we working people an alternative? Why, trying their hardest to pack themselves into those same Republican clothes - but without packing any conviction.
The problem is, when you're a sheep in wolf's clothing, it's a bit difficult to look anything other than…well…sheepish.
Until you, Barack, came along.
I'd had a bad feeling about voting for some 20 years. You are the first American politician in that time who's making me look forward to voting in November.
Now. We've hit a glitch. It's not the end of the world. And this is what I suggest to you and your Economic Team going forward:
1) Adopt FOCUS '08. The working folk of this country deserve a rallying cry that offers them a safety net, while preserving their dignity.
This is true, not just for those of us who already struggle below the poverty line, but also for those who, through no fault of their own, feel that they may be next.
We did not create the housing and jobs crisis, or cause gas and food prices to rise.
2) Enroll these same good people, Barack, in the campaign to sell you, your policies and FOCUS '08.
Do not pity us. We are a proud people. Appeal to our better nature. Challenge us. Turn the tables on your opponents, and make an appeal to genuine patriotism and a real sense of moral duty.
Go so far as to put it in military terms, if necessary.
Offer us a deal - "A New Compact." Tell us boldly and bravely: 'You take care of your business at home, and we'll back you up, by taking care of our business in Washington.'
[I expand on this approach in a separate document of talking points, which can be found as the next post in this blog.]
Call on America's working men and women to support a "Citizen's Code": family, country and honor.
'We take care of our family first; then we help our neighbor; then the folk around us. Not because of a political slogan or a grand economic strategy, and not for personal gain or ambition, but because it's the honorable, the right thing to do.'
Meanwhile, holding up the other side of the compact, you, Barack, have to clean up Washington. Clear out the logjams, get the necessary bi-partisan support, prioritize action, and get us the help we need to support what we're doing on the home and family front.
FOCUS '08 can be a part of that. Take George Bush's slogan, and turn it against our opponents. Make that slogan ours - and make it apply to all Americans under a Barack Administration. 'We will leave no-one behind.'
I have my own political line for all of this: 'Taking Care of America's Family Values.'
So, Barack, come one, why not give it a try? Visit the web-site (http://focusonpoverty.blogspot.com), sign the Petition (www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/483881699), even buy the T-shirt (http://197491.spreadshirt.com).
But. Most important of all. Adopt FOCUS '08, and enroll America's working folk in its implementation.
