Practicing What I Preach

Write the Vision. Make it Plain.

I just sent the following letter to the Congressional Black Caucus. You can cut, paste, tweak, and send it to whichever elected official you like. Don't forget you can always show up (nicely) to your elected officials'/national organizations' offices and share your grievances. Hey, you might find out you have an ally and can work with that person to change some things.

Dear Congressional Black Caucus,

Please consider initiating Welfare Reform in the very near future. Welfare and other entitlements pay otherwise brilliant people not to try. We see the abuse of the system in our communities all the time. So it is counterproductive to continue to support policies that enable well, able-bodied men and women to make bad choices for them and their children. The money saved could be spent on reducing the deficit or placed back in the pockets of working Americans so that tomorrow's children are not burdened by as much debt as is being projected.

We as Americans of all stripes have no problem helping those in a bind and are actively working to get on their feet. The world over knows of our generosity. However, when there are several generations needing Government assistance, it is clear that we need to move in a new direction. This must be a part of the American (not just Black)Economic Empowerment conversation.

Anytime welfare reform is considered, your political colleagues attack it like its a race issue. Welfare is not a Black issue (or a Women's issue). It's an American issue. Therefore, if the Congressional Black Caucus takes on this issue for the benefit of Americans of all stripes, it would take the thorniness out of the issue.
Here are just a few ideas to consider:


-No one should get subsidies until they are 18 years old. This will encourage parents to have conversations with their teens about safer sex practices.


-5-8 years is the lifetime maximum amount of years for support. You can get welfare for 5 years in your 20s or a year in your 20s , a year in your 30s, 2 years in your 40s, whatever. However, 5-8 years should be the lifetime maximum. If you are sick, there is disability and workman’s compensation. However, there is no reason why a person is on welfare all of their life, for generations.


-No more than 3 people should be subsidized. So that means the parent and 2 children will be supported. This will also encourage safer sex practices.


-If the Government insists on paying for abortions, it should consider paying for sterilization if that is a woman’s choice.


-Welfare recipients should be required to serve community service hours like serving at local schools or recreational centers.


-If the children are school aged, subsidies should be based on school performance. For ex. if a child is consistently disruptive, comes to school poorly dressed or not fed, or grades are poor, stipends should be reduced. This will encourage better behavior in schools, reduce truancy, and encourage greater parental participation.

Please consider implementing some of these reforms.

Thank you for all that you do.

Here's their physical contact information:
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc
1720 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-263-2800
Fax: 202-775-0773

Here's their website  and YouTube channel where you can say your piece. It does not have to be a fight but make your requests known, clearly and succinctly.  
 
We give a lot of flak to the Black Church (ahem) but fail to hold accountable the very political bodies who are already in place to make major change. They too must be held accountable (I smell another post :).
 
I'm going to send this letter (and others) to some state and national representatives in my state, as well.

Welfare Reform, Stronger Communities, and Deficit Reduction go hand in hand.

Oh and I did go to the Art Museum last Saturday...lol. Loved it and Love Ya'll.