Obama says Clinton should keep running

Obama says Clinton should keep running - Yahoo! News

Top 10 Detox Foods - Beauty Eats on Yahoo! Food

Top 10 Detox Foods - Beauty Eats on Yahoo! Food

2008 Presidential Election: Obama gets boost; Clinton urged to quit

2008 Presidential Election on Yahoo! News

2008 Presidential Election: Obama blames 'ethic of greed' for economy

2008 Presidential Election on Yahoo! News

State fires 2 for looking at Obama file

State fires 2 for looking at Obama file - Yahoo! News

Update: March 23, 2008

Do you know who Bill Clinton called for spiritual advice during the Monica Lewinsky fiasco? It was Jeremiah Wright and Jesse Jackson, among others. Did Hillary secretly give this information to the "right"? I don't think so.

Why do you think this is happening? Is it because of race or ethnicity?

Hillary Clinton Schedules Show Drop in Policy Role

Hillary Clinton Schedules Show Drop in Policy Role - Yahoo! News

Does Hillary really have a foreign policy agenda? Has she really had an active role in her husband's administration as President of the United States? I don't think so. It appears that Hillary is trying to "bamboozle" her way into our hearts telling us she has more foreign policy experience than Obama.

Obama Defends Wright's Anger

Chicago's 560 AM WIND

The Obama Speech

"We have a choice in this country. We can accept a politics that breeds division, and conflict, and cynicism. We can tackle race only as spectacle as we did in the OJ trial or in the wake of tragedy, as we did in the aftermath of Katrina or as fodder for the nightly news. We can play Reverend Wright's sermons on every channel, every day and talk about them from now until the election, and make the only question in this campaign whether or not the American people think that I somehow believe or sympathize with his most offensive words.

"We can pounce on some gaffe by a Hillary supporter as evidence that she's playing the race card, or we can speculate on whether white men will all flock to John McCain in the general election regardless of his policies.

"We can do that.

"But if we do, I can tell you that in the next election, we'll be talking about some other distraction. And then another one. And then another one. And nothing will change.

"That is one option. Or, at this moment, in this election, we can come together and say, "Not this time." This time we want to talk about the crumbling schools that are stealing the future of black children and white children and Asian children and Hispanic children and Native American children. This time we want to reject the cynicism that tells us that these kids can't learn; that those kids who don't look like us are somebody else's problem. The children of America are not those kids, they are our kids, and we will not let them fall behind in a 21st century economy. Not this time.

"This time we want to talk about how the lines in the Emergency Room are filled with whites and blacks and Hispanics who do not have health care; who don't have the power on their own to overcome the special interests in Washington, but who can take them on if we do it together.

"This time we want to talk about the shuttered mills that once provided a decent life for men and women of every race, and the homes for sale that once belonged to Americans from every religion, every region, every walk of life. This time we want to talk about the fact that the real problem is not that someone who doesn't look like you might take your job; it's that the corporation you work for will ship it overseas for nothing more than a profit.

"This time we want to talk about the men and women of every color and creed who serve together, and fight together, and bleed together under the same proud flag. We want to talk about how to bring them home from a war that never should've been authorized and never should've been waged, and we want to talk about how we'll show our patriotism by caring for them, and their families, and giving them the benefits they have earned.

"I would not be running for President if I didn't believe with all my heart that this is what the vast majority of Americans want for this country. This union may never be perfect, but generation after generation has shown that it can always be perfected. And today, whenever I find myself feeling doubtful or cynical about this possibility, what gives me the most hope is the next generation the young people whose attitudes and beliefs and openness to change have already made history in this election.

"There is one story in particularly that I'd like to leave you with today a story I told when I had the great honor of speaking on Dr. King's birthday at his home church, Ebenezer Baptist, in Atlanta.

"There is a young, twenty-three year old white woman named Ashley Baia who organized for our campaign in Florence, South Carolina. She had been working to organize a mostly African-American community since the beginning of this campaign, and one day she was at a roundtable discussion where everyone went around telling their story and why they were there.

"And Ashley said that when she was nine years old, her mother got cancer. And because she had to miss days of work, she was let go and lost her health care. They had to file for bankruptcy, and that's when Ashley decided that she had to do something to help her mom.

"She knew that food was one of their most expensive costs, and so Ashley convinced her mother that what she really liked and really wanted to eat more than anything else was mustard and relish sandwiches. Because that was the cheapest way to eat.

"She did this for a year until her mom got better, and she told everyone at the roundtable that the reason she joined our campaign was so that she could help the millions of other children in the country who want and need to help their parents too.

"Now Ashley might have made a different choice. Perhaps somebody told her along the way that the source of her mother's problems were blacks who were on welfare and too lazy to work, or Hispanics who were coming into the country illegally. But she didn't. She sought out allies in her fight against injustice.

"Anyway, Ashley finishes her story and then goes around the room and asks everyone else why they're supporting the campaign. They all have different stories and reasons. Many bring up a specific issue. And finally they come to this elderly black man who's been sitting there quietly the entire time. And Ashley asks him why he's there. And he does not bring up a specific issue. He does not say health care or the economy. He does not say education or the war. He does not say that he was there because of Barack Obama. He simply says to everyone in the room, "I am here because of Ashley."

""I'm here because of Ashley." By itself, that single moment of recognition between that young white girl and that old black man is not enough. It is not enough to give health care to the sick, or jobs to the jobless, or education to our children.

"But it is where we start. It is where our union grows stronger. And as so many generations have come to realize over the course of the two-hundred and twenty one years since a band of patriots signed that document in Philadelphia, that is where the perfection begins."

You can watch or read the whole speech here:

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3511

Obama confronts racial division

Obama confronts racial division - Yahoo! News

Update: March 23, 2004

Do you know who Bill Clinton called for spiritual advice during the Monica Lewinsky fiasco? It was Jeremiah Wright and Jesse Jackson, among others. Did Hillary secretly give this information to the "right"? I don't think so.

First I want to say, Black people do not have to explain anything to white people. Why is it that white people always think a black person has to explain their actions to them?

Second, let us be real clear. There is a right wing attack on Obama. The right wing agenda is by any means necessary. This is how they play it. Since Obama is such a heavy weight on their shoulders for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States and they know he will beat Mr. McCain, they will stop at nothing to discredit, denounce and embarrass him.

In the case of Obama since he is electing to be President of the United States, he does owe some explanation to the people of the United States for issues of his character and behavior, not for the character and behavior of others he has associated with in his past.

Obama gave an elegant address on the issues of Race in America. It appears that some still want to taint and destroy his reputation. Most of the radical news media from Conservative talk show hosts condemn Obama for his pastor's voice. This is ludicrous. What is wrong with America? How can we think we can preserve liberty for ourselves, while taking it from another? How can a person be responsible for another person's actions and behaviors?

People like Chicago's WYLL radio (1160 AM) host Sandy Rios and radio host Sean Hannity of Hannity and Commbs will never understand the plight of the Black man. It annoys me when whites believe they can analyze a Black man's way of life, as if they have walked in our shoes. Their voice of "white" America attacking Obama breeds contempt. Sandy Rios and Sean Hannity fueling separatism and racial divide. When in fact, America needs to address its white racism.

Sandy Rios continues to talk about how African Americans should love the United States of America. African Americans do not love America!!! Why should we? We tolerate America. Give us equality, then we can love America.

Sandy Rios talks about Mrs. Obama saying that for the first time she was proud of America like it is something wrong with her statement. Here is a hint Sandy, most African Americans feel the same way. Why should an African American feel proud about a country that has oppressed them for over 400 years? Wake up and smell the coffee. If you have not walked in a Black man/woman's shoes, don't try to tell us how we should feel about America.

Rev. Jeremiah Wright's statement "God Damn America" may be the correct statement for America to wake up to the way of life they have inflicted and gave Black America. It appears America does not want to look in the mirror. The reason white racism still exist is because white America wants to say it does not exist. Racism in America, is alive and well.

If racism is not alive and well, let us get on with the business of electing a President on the issues of America, such as equal, adequate and meaningful education, employment, healthcare and world peace. If America is not a racist country, why are these two white individuals stewing this pot of making Obama responsible for another person actions and words. It appears they may have a touch of racism in their blood.

I belong to a very prominent church. My pastor is known around the world. I have been at my church for over 14 years. I love my pastor, but guess what. My pastor does not tell me how to think, feel or behave. Just because he talks about how a person should think, feel or behave does not mean that is the way I will think, feel and behave. I am not the kind of Christian who is a door mat. You cannot walk all over me and expect me to turn the other cheek. I am not the kind of follower that will follow my pastor anywhere. My pastor does not think, feel and behave for me. He thinks, feels and behaves for himself.

Obama is not responsible for Jeremiah Wright's statements. Jeremiah Wright is responsible for his own statements. We all sit under spiritual guidance for our own personal reasons. None of us takes on the total personality of another.

Fox News carried Obama speech on March 18, 2008. The commentators for Fox News did not want Black America to hear the opening comments of a prominent "white" man about Obama. Instead of allowing the audience to here the introduction of Obama from this man, this white female and male of Fox News interrupted the programming giving their twisted perceptive of the "upcoming" Obama speech.

How should we label this act?

Is The Black Conservative Our Hope For Tomorrow?

Freedom's Journal Magazine <Freedom_s_Journal_Magazine@mail.vresp.com> wrote:

From: "Freedom's Journal Magazine" <Freedom_s_Journal_Magazine@mail.vresp.com>
To: frednance@clickservices.org
Subject: Is The Black Conservative Our Hope For Tomorrow
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:18:36 +0000

Click to view this email in a browser

Newsletter
March/April 2008	Greetings Fred,
In This Issue What Do Conservatives believe? The Real Obama  An Interview with Herman Cain The Origin of Black Liberalism and Conservatism Special Offer Get an autographed copy of the Integrity of Faith written by  Freedom's Journal Magazine publisher Eric M. Wallace, PhD for only $19.95. Click on the book cover then look for Integrity Books.	The Premiere Issue of Freedom's Journal Magazine The Political Voice of Conservative Reform. In this issue we discuss conservatism, its principled foundation and why it is the hope for tomorrow. We believe that conservatism, in general and black conservatism in particular, is our hope for transforming the black community. This issue is intended to be a catalyst for the debate not the end of it. (continued below)  Click here to subscribe Stay Informed! Read opinion pieces from the following black conservatives: Ken Blackwell Star Parker Michael Steele Armstrong Williams - Subscribe today - Be a part of the political discussion and debate. Stay abreast of issues like education, health care and pro-life issues. Our Hope for Tomorrow? The question of the relevance of conservative ideas for the advancement of black people and any race for that matter, will be a continuing discussion in future pages of FJM. Our goal is to help shape and reform conservative ideas and precepts that have either been lost or contorted so that they are no longer recognized. We hope to destroy the misconceptions of conservative philosophy and policy that pervades the black community and is sometimes perpetuated by uninformed white conservatives. (from Publisher's Welcome)
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Pelosi Says Superdelegates Shouldn't Overrule Voters

Pelosi Says Superdelegates Shouldn't Overrule Voters - Yahoo! News

Ms. Pelosi is correct. If the Superdelegates give this nomination to Hillary, the Democrats will lose the National election. The Democratic popular vote will go to the Republicans. The Clinton's continue to undermine the people.

Obama expands delegate lead over Clinton

Obama expands delegate lead over Clinton - Yahoo! News

Obama denounces pastor's 9/11 comments

Obama denounces pastor's 9/11 comments - Yahoo! News

Second Chance Act of 2007

MEMBERS OF CONGRESS, CIVIL RIGHTS, SOCIAL SERVICES AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE GROUPS APPLAUD PASSAGE OF THE SECOND CHANCE ACT AND HIGHLIGHT CALL FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORMS NOW

New Report finds that 1 in 9 Young African American Men are in Jail or Prison: Shows Urgent Need for Action

Washington D.C. – Today, Congressman Danny K. Davis (IL-7^th) was joined by colleagues; Congressman Bobby Scott, Congressman Chris Cannon, Congressman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, Congressman Chris Cannon, Congressman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congressman Carolyn Kilpatrick, Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressman James Clyburn, Democratic Majority Whip, Congressman John Conyers, Chairman of the Committee of the Judiciary and former Congressman and HUD Secretary Jack Kemp to announce the passage of the Second Chance Act of 2007 in Congress.

Congressman Danny K. Davis said, "The Second Chance Act is landmark because it is comprehensive legislation that will have an everlasting impact across the country. It is movement towards recognizing the human worth of individuals and the positive roles they can play, although they may have been convicted of a crime."

In addition to Members of Congress, several organizations joined the press conference including the NAACP, TASC's Center for Health and Justice, Legal Action Center, Sentencing Project, Goodwill Industries International, Open Society Institute, FEDCURE, Prison Fellowship and others.

"A relatively modest investment in offender reentry efforts compares very well with the alternative – building more prisons for these ex-offenders to return to if they are unable to successfully reenter their communities," added Sen. Biden. "An ounce of prevention, as they say, is worth a pound of cure."

Congressman Danny K. Davis, chief sponsor of the historic Second Chance Act of 2007 applauded his colleagues in both the House of Representatives and the U. S. Senate, members from both sides of the aisle, for moving the Second Chance Act of 2007 to the point where the legislation was passed in the U. S. Senate. President George W. Bush is poised to sign the legislation into law.

Congresswoman Carolyn C. Kilpatrick (D-MI) said, "I am pleased to salute Congressman Danny Davis (IL), my colleagues in the House and Members of the U.S. Senate for affording Americans a second chance at life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, by passing the Second Chance Act of 2007."

A new report from The Pew Charitable Trusts, "1 in 100: Behind Bars in America 2008" shows that 1 percent of U.S. adults are now behind bars. It's time to make the Second Chance Act of 2007 law. A bi-partisan U. S. House passed the Second Chance Act of 2007 by 347 to 62. The Act will provide essential resources for prisoner reentry.

Melody Heaps, President of the Center for Health and Justice at Tasc said, ""Reentry solutions such as the Second Chance Act and complementary No Entry solutions that keep non-violent drug-involved individuals from going to prison in the first place are key in stopping this revolving door of drugs, crime, and incarceration."

Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones said, "My home State of Ohio has one of the largest populations of ex-offenders re-entering the community, with about 24,000 ex-offenders returning to their respective communities annually," said Rep. Tubbs Jones. "Such high recidivism rates translate into thousands of new crimes each year and wasted taxpayer dollars, which can be averted through improved prisoner reentry efforts. Passage of this legislation is a crucial step to breaking down barriers to successful re-entry and allowing offenders and their families the tools necessary to break the cycle of criminality. I'd like to thank my colleagues in both the House and Senate, particularly Rep. Danny Davis who I have worked with for four years on passing this important piece of legislation. I look forward to President Bush signing this legislation into law soon."

According to a new report from the Congressional Research Service,"Offender Reentry: Correctional Statistics, Reintegration into the Community, and Recidivism," the United States incarcerates more of its citizens than any other nation in the world. The report also indicates that of the 2.2 million people currently incarcerated, over 95% of offenders currently serving prison sentences will return to the community at some point.

With over 18,000 people returning to local communities like Chicago every year, criminal justice reform and the Second Chance Act will help these communities. Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley said, "The Second Chance Act is an important step forward in getting the needed federal resources to help Chicago and other cities enhance their ex-offender programs, help transform these individuals into productive members of society and help reduce recidivism."

In addition to prisoner re-entry, recent studies suggest that the importance of calling attention to solutions to the nation's burgeoning prisons and jails including no-entry or diversion initiatives, sentencing reform, and drug treatment and prevention strategies.

Davis concluded, "There is an urgent need for criminal justice reform in this country. Prisoner Reentry is one aspect of this very serious issue. Criminal Justice reform is badly needed to alleviate the growing costs of incarcerating prisoners, the devastating impact on victims, and the negative impact on the very fabric of American life."

The Press Conference was sponsored by the following organizations and representatives:

• Congressman James Clyburn
• Congressman Elijah Cummings
• Congressman Bobby L. Rush
• Former Congressman Jack Kemp
• Illinois Legislative Black Caucus
• State Rep. Constance Howard (IL)
• State Rep. LaShawn K. Ford (IL)
• State Rep. Karen Yarbrough (IL)
• NAACP
• TASC's Center for Health and Justice (Illinois)
• Legal Action Center
• Sentencing Project
• FEDCURE
• Goodwill Industries International
• Catholic Charities USA
• Ohio Community Corrections Association
• Prison Fellowship
• Open Society Institute
• Safer Foundation (Illinois)
• National Alliance to End Homelessness
• National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare
• United Methodist Church, General Board of Church and Society
• Therapeutic Communities of America
• International Community Corrections Association
• Oriana House, Inc. (Cleveland, Ohio)
• Southern ColoradeCURE
• Real Men Charities (Illinois)
• City Youth and Adult Foundation (Illinois)
• Connections-Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (Illinois)
• Community Behavioral Healthcare Association of Illinois
• Prison Foundation
• Prison Art Gallery
• Mercy Hospital and Medical Center of Chicago
• United in Peace, Inc. (Illinois)
• Deer Rehabilitation Services (Illinois)
• TARGET Area DevCorp (Illinois)
• Developing Justice Coalition (Illinois)
• A Safe Haven (Illinois)
• Illinois Clergy Association for Community and Economic Development
• New Leaf-NewLife, Inc (Indiana)
• Cook County Bar Association (Illinois)
• Cook County Bar Association Expungemnet Project (IL)

###

Ferraro leaves Clinton campaign post

Ferraro leaves Clinton campaign post - Yahoo! News

Spitzer resigns in disgrace over scandal

Spitzer resigns in disgrace over scandal - Yahoo! News

Will Spitzer make list of politicians who survive scandal?

Will Spitzer make list of politicians who survive scandal? - Yahoo! News

What an idiot. He is not thinking about the embarrassment he brings on his wife, children and the country. Just resign before you ruin everything.

Senate passes the Second Chance Act of 2007

Hello Everyone,

 

The U. S. Senate passed the Second Chance Act tonight. It is now waiting for the President's signature.  We are still planning a press conference for Thursday, March 13, 2008 in Washington D. C.  Please let us know if you would like to add your organization as a sponsor of the press conference.  Please join us or communicate this information to people, organizations, and groups in D. C. to join us.  Here is the media alert.  Thanks Tumia.

 

 

Media Alert

 

Members of Congress, Civil Rights, Social Services and Criminal Justice Groups Call for Criminal Justice Reforms Now

  New Report finds that 1 in 9 Young African American Men are in Jail or   Prison: Shows Urgent Need for Action 

 

Editorial Note:           Members of the Media may conference into the press conference by

                                    calling:   712-432-3900 

 

What:         Members of Congress, civil and criminal justice advocacy groups will hold a

national press conference to  call on the U. S. to pass the Second Chance Act and other criminal justice reforms now.

 

A new report from The Pew Charitable Trusts, "1 in 100: Behind Bars in America 2008" shows that 1 percent of U.S. adults are now behind bars.  It's time to make the Second Chance Act of 2007 law.  A bi-partisan U. S. House passed the Second Chance Act of 2007 by 347 to 62.   The Act will provide essential resources for prisoner reentry.

 

According to a new report from the Congressional Research Service,"Offender Reentry:  Correctional Statistics, Reintegration into the Community, and Recidivism," the United States incarcerates more of its citizens than any other nation in the world.  The report also indicates that of the 2.2 million people currently incarcerated, over 95% of offenders currently serving prison sentences will return to the community at some point.

 

In addition to prisoner re-entry, speakers will call attention to solutions to the nation's burgeoning prisons and jails including no-entry or diversion initiatives, sentencing reform, and drug treatment and prevention strategies.

Who:           Members of Congress and a Coalition of Criminal Justice Advocacy Groups

                        Including (Members of Congress schedules depends on timing of votes):

                        Members of Congress                                 Coalition of Criminal Justice and Advocacy Groups

Congressman Danny K. Davis

Congressman John Conyers

                                Congressman Bobby Scott

                                Congressman Stephanie Tubbs Jones

Congressman Chris Cannon

Congressman Sheila Jackson Lee

                                Congressman Carolyn Kilpatrick

                                Congressman James Clyburn                                             Former Congressman Jack Kemp

NAACP

TASC's Center for Health and Justice

Legal Action Center

Sentencing Project

Goodwill Industries International

National Alliance to End Homelessness

National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare

United Methodist Church, General Board of Church and Society

Therapeutic Communities of America

When:         Thursday, March 13, 2008, at 12:00 noon. (eastern)

Location:     National Press Club, Washington D.C.  529 14th St. NW, 13th Floor –

                        Washington, DC 20045, Zenger Room

                        Members of the Media may participate in the press conference by calling:

                        Conference Telephone Number:  712-432-3900

                        Please RSVP and call 202-225-5006 for access code.

Contact:     Tumia Romero, 773-533-7520, 202-225-5006 (Wednesday and Thursday), or

(773) 343-0006 (cell), or by email tumia.romero@mail.house.gov (blackberry).

 

Obama coasts to victory in Mississippi primary

Obama coasts to victory in Miss. primary - Yahoo! News

Clinton's foreign policy record examined

Clinton's foreign policy record examined - Yahoo! News

Obama wins Wyo. caucuses, 12 delegates

Obama wins Wyo. caucuses, 12 delegates - Yahoo! News

Obama aides attack Clinton on foreign policy

Obama aides attack Clinton on foreign policy - Yahoo! News

Democrats vie for delegates...

Democrats vie for delegates - Yahoo! News

The Political & Cultural State of America & Social Change: 2008 Democratic Presidential Election

March 2, 2008

Fred L. Nance Jr.
Walden University
PhD Human Services

The Political & Cultural State of America & Social Change

I am a student with Walden University, in its PhD Human Services program. I am in the dissertation stage of the program. This brief writing is on how “real” social change is beginning to take place in America.

Scott London (1996) authored “Understanding Change: The Dynamics of Social Transformation.” This article articulates how change takes place, our need for it and our resistance to it. My professor, Dr. Monica Gordon, suggested I select one of the three salient points the author made about social change, assess the author's perspective and say whether this perspective resonates with my experience with my research population or any other social situation in which I am familiar. I choose to elaborate, briefly, on the Presidential race of 2008 and its efforts toward social change.

In a brief discussion on individual change, London draws from Peter Senge (1990) and his “personal mastery” suggesting individuals achieving change must center on a fundamental question of “whether they are willing to change in the first place.” He offers two additional questions, “Is a person prepared to open up to new inputs, insights, and understandings? Is he or she prepared to be changed in the process of effecting change?” With these questions, London suggests social change takes place through individual motivation.

It is my belief the political stage in American has set the theatre for some dramatic social changes now and in the future. The 2008 Presidential race between Democratic opponents Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton seem to be putting in motion change strategies for individual motivation. The change strategies appear to be drawing individuals who have not been involved in the voting processes of America.

The thought of a black man and a woman running for the Presidential office of the United States is social change in itself. It seems talk of this type of change, Obama and Clinton, has aroused the interest of those who are seeking a different government of power, equality and a way of life for America. The individual aspirations and inspirations of Obama and Clinton have stirred up the individual aspirations and motivations of others, thus producing individual motivation toward social change.

The discussions and debates by Obama and Clinton on “their” main issues about the war and its consequences, foreign policy and healthcare are monumental to most Americans. These points of concern are important, but there is an even greater concern by those who have been motivated and energized. Obama and Clinton’s debates have drawn many voters out of their hiding places, with their attempts to not offend their constituents and each other. Nevertheless, Obama and Clinton seem to make elusive more important issues such as poverty, housing, tuition cost and race relations through this paradigm of “do no harm.”

However, the social change movement created by this Presidential race is drawing a generation of voters who are bringing their parents out of the woodwork to vote. This phenomenon has additional factors. These new voters are interested in whether they will be able to afford or keep their houses, whether they will be able to afford the rising cost in tuition for education of their children, that is superseding present income levels, and whether race relations will become stable enough for those who are baby boomers transitioning with those who are from generation X or Y. Generation Y appears to have very few issues with race relations. Where is this discussion?

London suggests effective change strategies must build on the caring and personal commitment of all the players involved. London quotes social philosopher Phillip Slater’s (1991) stating “People are reluctant to change because change is uncomfortable and demands a great deal of energy. Therefore when people ask where to start working for change, the answer is that since change makes heavy demands on motivation and energy, you should start where you care the most and do what you like to do the most-that will be where you contribute the most energy and be most effective.”

What Obama and Clinton have done is monumental in form and scope, and should not be taken lightly. The individual motivation and energy of this Presidential race will impact generations to come, bringing with it a social change phenomenon that will ignite an America having global effects on communities and the world.

References:

Senge, P. M. (1990). The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The Learning Organization. New York: Currency Doubleday

Slater, P. (1991). A Dream Deferred. Boston: Beacon Press.

Carbondale Illinois Police Department: Bias Decision Effecting Insurance Claim with AAA

February 23, 2008

Carbondale Police Department
Bob Ledbetter, Chief of Police
610 East College Street
Carbondale, Illinois 62901

Chief Ledbetter:

I, Fred Nance Jr., am writing this letter in response to how Officer Dee Cross #1937 handled an accident report on August 14, 2007. In addition, my daughter went to your police station to talk to Officer Cross and my daughter reports Officer Cross kept interrupting her when she was attempting to explain the auto accident to her.

I asked my daughter to get Officer Cross’ badge number, and it appears every time she requested it she was given the runaround. When my daughter asked your representatives for Officer Cross’ badge number, they have told her it is the Carbondale Police Department’s policy not to give out officers badge numbers. Officer Cross has even told my daughter she was too busy to talk to her and when she briefly did talk to her, Officer Cross told my daughter she was not going to change anything about her report, even though there are errors on her report.

On August 14, 2007, at approximately 3:34 pm in Schnucks Grocery store parking lot, at 915 West Main Street, Carbondale, Illinois 62901, my car was hit by another car. My car was backing out from a parking space when another car was speeding around the corner in the parking lot and hit my car.

My daughter, Randi Nance who was driving the car at the time, told this story to Officer Cross upon Officer Cross’ arrival to the scene of the accident. My daughter reports “I got in my car and looked both ways. I didn’t see anyone. As I continued to back out the rear of my car was half way out the parking spot. I paused, and unit 2’s car came speeding around the corner and hit me on his driver’s rear door, my driver’s rear bumper.”

Officer Cross wrote the following. “Information obtained at the scene: Driver of unit #1 stated she was backing out of a parking stall and did not see unit #2 traveling south behind her. She struck unit 2 in the rear driver’s door/rear quarter panel with the bumper of unit 1. Driver of unit 2 stated he was traveling south through the lot when unit 1 backed out of a parking stall and struck unit 2 with the bumper of unit 1.” Officer Cross did not issue any tickets.

I am questioning Officer Cross’ Illinois Crash Report and her statement above. Officer Cross identifies the color of unit 1 as Maroon. Unit 1’s color is Plum, almost purple. Officer Cross identifies unit 2’s color as “lite purple.” Unit 2’s color is silver. Officer Cross’ Illinois Crash Report states as a contributory cause(s): Primary #30 (improper backing) and Secondary #18 (unable to determine). There was no “improper backing” from unit 1. Unit 1 informed Officer Cross “…I got in my car and looked both ways. I didn’t see anyone….”

On the Illinois Crash Report where it requires a diagram, Officer Cross wrote “not required.” Why didn’t Officer Cross draw a diagram of how my car was “improperly backing” out of a parking space or how my car hit the other car or how the other car came speeding around the corner and hit my car. Officer Cross’ Illinois Crash Report has her badge number on it, which is 1937. Why didn’t Officer Cross provide my daughter with her badge number when she asked for it in the police station? What was there to hide? This number is not on Officer Cross’ Illinois Motorist Report given to my daughter at the scene of the accident nor is Officer Cross’ analysis of the situation written on the Illinois Motorist Report.

Officer Cross’ report was transmitted to AAA/Members Select, my auto insurance company, who paid out a claim against me in the amount of $2,190.00. This claim against me drives my auto rates up. This claim against me should not have been paid by my insurance company. This claim against me is “charge ability” with my insurance company and any other insurance company, suggesting my car was at fault in this accident when it was unit 2 who caused the accident by speeding in a parking lot.

I have talked the claim’s manager of my insurance company, Mr. Ryan Elarton. Mr. Elarton reports they paid this claim out because of Officer Cross’ report. Of course, I challenged the payout because I requested of the claims adjuster, Ms. Mary Linda McCall, to inform me of the documentation she received before making a final decision in this matter. I also challenged the payout because of the lack of investigation. I gave AAA a lot of documentation to substantiated my innocence in this matter.

Nevertheless, because of Officer Cross’ biased and prejudiced decision-making in this report, I have suffered injury. Officer Cross’ report must be rescinded. Please respond to this writing.

Respectfully submitted,

Fred Nance Jr., ABD, MA, CADC, NCRS

cc: Ryan Elarton, Claims Manager AAA/Member Select Auto Insurance
http://click.townhall.com/
http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/

Chicago Potholes: Do they really think about their constituents/citizens or their pride?

Update: September 4, 2008

On or about July 10, 2008 I received a response from the City of Chicago regarding my pothole claim. The letter dated June 18, 2008 and signed by Matthew Link, Director Committee on Finance reads as follows: "Dear Claimant: The documents as submitted with your claim against the City of Chicago have been fully investigated and evaluated by the Committee on Finance staff, and the facts do not clearly establish that the City of Chicago is responsible for your loss. You are hereby advised that your claim has been recommended to be disallowed by the Committee on Finance to the City Council on June 11, 2008...The reasons for this action are as follows: The Statue of Limitations for filing a claim has expired...."

This is City of Chicago justice.

February 11, 2008

Mr. Miquel del Valle, City Clerk
Office of the City Clerk
121 North LaSalle Street, Room 107
Chicago, Illinois 60602-1295

Re: Potholes in the Chicago Area

Mr. Valle:

I, Fred L Nance Jr., am writing this letter accompanying my complaint to the Office of the City Clerk because I was informed by Mr. Kevin on February 11, 2008 I had 1-year from the date of the pothole damage to my car or occurrence to file this claim with your office. I filed this claim in a timely fashion but to the wrong entity. The entity filed was the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). I was never informed of a jurisdictional issue. I have attached the complaint filed with IDOT, and its attachments, with the City of Chicago’s complaint.

I am filing this with your office because of the recent news releases by the I-Team of ABC. I informed the I-Team of my complaint with IDOT, and posted it to them on their website. I am posting this letter on my blogs also.

My incident occurred on 95th Street and Stony Island on January 10, 2006 at approximately 10:30 pm as I was going home from church. As I drove south on Stony Island, crossing 95th Street, my car engaged a tremendous pothole where my tire was blown out. I replaced the tire at Pepboys. The replacement tire cost me $64.30. I reported this to IDOT on their claims form. IDOT never told me about Chicago’s jurisdiction.

IDOT denied my claim. IDOT’s denial of my claim makes no sense. I received a letter from IDOT on January 31, 2006 stating, in part, “…The Illinois Department of Transportation discovered the pothole on Stony Island south of 95th Street at 8:28 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2006. The Emergency Traffic Patrol driver that observed the pothole determined at that time that the pothole was not a hazard and the repair was scheduled for the next day. The pothole was repaired by the maintenance yard by 6:39 am on Wednesday, January 11, 2006….”

On May 1, 2006 I received a letter from Ms. Christine Ridge of IDOT stating, in part, “…The Department maintains over 45,000 lane miles of highway within the State with over 10,000 lane miles in District One alone. In consideration of this, the courts have consistently recognized it is not possible for the Department to have notice of every defect immediately upon its occurrence. Liability, therefore, must be determined based on our notice of a defect and lack of expedience in repairing said defect. Since in this case repairs were made within a reasonable amount of time after notification of the defect, the State of Illinois, Department of Transportation is not legally liable for your loss….”

In response to another letter written by me to Governor Blagojevich on May 7, 2006 after receipt of the May 1, 2006 correspondence from Ms. Ridge, Secretary Timothy W. Martin assigned James Sterr, Bureau Chief of Claims, to conduct an independent investigation of my claim.

On June 27, 2006 IDOT’s Mr. Sterr “further” denied my claim stating, in part, “…The Department is permitted to pay claims where it is deemed negligent and a legal liability exists. The amount of the claim is not a determining factor as to liability or compensability…Ms. Ridge’s letter explained the legal reasons why a denial was proper…That office reviewed highway incident reports for thirty (30) days prior to the alleged incident. There were no prior reports of potholes or any other defects at 95th and Stoney Island….”

It appears IDOT found various reasons to deny my claim. They did not attempt to find way to honor it.

Therefore, since there have been many claims with the City of Chicago in past days; and since I-Team’s Chuck Goudie has had his encounter with potholes in Chicago and reported it Nationally; and knowing how “quickly” your office has come to the “aid” of your constituents no matter the length of time in reporting a claim, I request to know how you view my situation. The public would also like to know to how you view my issue, because how you view my issue will impact their claims against Chicago’s pothole problem.

I will post this letter on my blogs at http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/ and http://click.townhall.com/. I will also post this letter on the I-Team’s website for review. I hope to hear from your office soon.

In addition, the consumer/public should be well aware of how our judicial system and the others who are appointed to office, to which we elect. The ones appointing these people into office are generally supporters of their candidacies. It appears on its face from my experience, that the ones elected into office and appointing those to other offices within their departments do not have their constituents in mind when making decisions.
Consumers you better beware of those you elect into offices because of their promises. Their promises become “empty” real quick. Some of these appointments to judicial positions are lifetime appointments.

Respectfully submitted,

Fred Nance Jr., ABD, MA, CADC, NCRS

cc: http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/
http://click.townhall.com/