Letters to the Editor

Giving back to the community

I really enjoyed the article on Hill Harper (Renaissance man, Bay State Banner, April 7) and appreciated the fact that the actor comes back to Boston often. This is what needs to start happening because way too many of our brothers and sisters make it out of Boston, yet don’t come back to give back to the community that gave birth to them.

Another thing that I liked about this article is that it honors a black man who is doing things to help other black men out and it is a shame that the Boston Globe or the Boston Herald do not like to acknowledge these types of events. This is why we need the Bay State Banner. God bless you all for the hard work that you do to keep people informed.

Openmarket
Via e-mail

Running scared

We are fortunate to be living in Massachusetts. There’s something about this place, despite the erratic weather, that keeps most of us standing pat. Unlike some states, we are not beholden to Big Oil and there is a fierce streak of protectionism when it comes to our shorelines and water quality. We are also in favor of Romney-care by a huge majority.

Yet, there are things going on in Washington that are disquieting and could affect our quality of life. It has to do with the budget negotiations which appear to be one sided and tilted toward the Republican side. Why do the Democrats seem so wimpy?

What is very apparent and seldom mentioned is that there isn’t a strong voice for the middle-working class anywhere in the negotiations. There is no Ted Kennedy throwing down the gauntlet for those of us who depend on Social Security and other programs that affect our way of life.

Unfortunately, the Democrats seem to be as intimidated as they were when they had control of the House and Senate and couldn’t seem to get much of any consequence passed. Now, the working folks are under attack to the extent that a proposal has been made to deny food stamps to a family if a member goes on strike.

Scott Brown is a newcomer to the Senate and already on a slippery slope in part because of his ties to the Koch brothers. But, John Kerry has yet to speak out on issues affecting the little guy in general, and the minority community in particular, while these negotiations are in progress. For, our communities have always borne a heavier burden in times of tight resources.

Recently, Ed Shultz invited every Democratic senator to come on his radio program to discuss their viewpoints on the budget talks. Kerry declined to appear. While Brown has been busy selling books, what is the senior senator’s excuse? Stage fright?

Marvin Clark
Via e-mail