Covenant with Black America

Honestly Now! I have to admit, Tavis Smiley is doing his thing! Seeking a response from both the Democrats and Republicans as it relates to The Covenant with Black America, that is exactly how we as African-Americans should begin to shape policy that will benefit the community. It is imperative that the community begin to look at strategically developing beneficial relationships with those in power. Furthermore, we must begin to withhold our allegiance until we are comfortable and positive that those we elect will support our agenda for a better quality of life.

I have two questions for those of you out there, who are our black leaders? and why?

African-Americans, Democrats and Republicans

While preparing to give a presentation to a group of highly educated, and successful black men, I read some very interesting articles. One article in particular, addressed the 30 plus genre of African-Americans across the country and there political philosophy. With my eyes passing over each sentence, I became more enlightened. Many of them believe that African-Americans should have no permanent friends and no permanent enemies, only permanent interests.

That being said, I have been asked by many people what will it take for Democrats and Republicans to not only hear the voices of African-Americans, but actually begin to implement policies set forth by African-Americans which will improve our quality of life?

Honestly Now! It will take African-Americans to step up, work together and be responsible for the African-American community. Like many in the Latino community, like many in the Native American community, like many in the Jewish community, the African-American community must come together and begin to solve its own problems.

As it relates to politics, the African-American community must have a seat at the table with both Democrats and Republicans in order to effect change that will aid the African-American community. Those African-Americans who are Democrats and those African-Americans who are Republicans should sit together and formalize policies that will benefit the African-American community as a whole.

After the plan is developed, each should sit down with his/her party and begin to express what the African-American community needs and wants. In other words, they both need to start the negotiations with each party.

Unfortunately, some African-Americans have this mentality that simply because a person has a different political viewpoint or that person’s mode of operation is not the status quo, they should distance themselves or secretly attack that person. Hence, African-Americans get caught up into choosing sides (party), when they should be choosing issues! (What’s the best way to strengthen the community?)

Are the 30 plus group of African-Americans right? When they say, African-Americans should have no permanent friends and no permanent enemies, only permanent interests.

Finally, if it is true that Democrats take African-Americans for granted, and Republicans ignore African-Americans completely, why don’t African-Americans as a whole begin to operate more like an independent party?

DEMOCRATIC LEADER PRAISES EFFORT OF STATE REP. JASON FIELDS

Milwaukee Representative’s Efforts Help Seal Home Heating Deal

Madison – The Democratic Leader of the State Assembly Jim Kreuser (Kenosha) today commended Milwaukee Rep. Jason Fields for his efforts to broker a deal on heating assistance. After more than a month of partisan stalemate over home heating, Republicans and Democrats in Madison finally agreed to provide $6 million in heating assistance thanks largely to the efforts of Rep. Fields.

“Two weeks ago this deal was dead, but Jason Fields wouldn’t take no for an answer. Working with Democrats, Republicans and Governor Doyle, Jason helped put together a package that everyone could agree to,” said Rep. Kreuser. “As a result of his efforts 40,000 Wisconsin families who weren’t previously eligible will receive heating assistance this winter.”

The bi-partisan agreement, that Rep. Fields help arrange, raises the income level for energy assistance to allow more families to apply for help. Current funding in the program is only available to families within 150 percent of the poverty level. Under the new limits, 40,000 families within 175 percent of the federal poverty level could receive an average of $300 dollars to use towards their heating bills.
“Unfortunately, one of the hardest things to do in politics these days is come to a bi-partisan agreement. Jason Fields put an enormous amount of work into making this home heating agreement happen,” said Kreuser.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity-Day At The State Capitol

Today, the distinguished gentlemen of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. held its first “Day at the capitol”. The day began with a brief discussion with Representative John Gard-R, the speaker of the Assembly, who gave us his thoughts on how the State of Wisconsin can move forward and position itself in a global environment.

Next, the fraternity had the privilege to hear from Supreme Court Justice, Louis Butler, who delivered a wonderful lecture on the criminal justice system. He reiterated what I have been saying for years now, as taxpayers we have the option of paying for individuals to receive a quality education or we can pay to lock them up and keep them in jail, which on the back end is more expensive for taxpayers.

We also had the pleasure to hear from, the Minority Leader, Jim Kreuser-D, on how Democrats are moving forward with plans that will benefit low income and middle class families. He also stressed that the fraternity should pay special attention to this upcoming election and how its members should hold the candidates for Governor responsible. He stated that he believed Jim Doyle is the best candidate, I am sure that some of the other speakers would politely disagree.

Later that day, the Majority Leader, Mike Huebsch-R, enlightened the fraternity on how much the state of Wisconsin spends on Education, and discussed why Milwaukee must move from the mentality of being a second class city when compared to cities like Chicago and Minneapolis.

Finally, Representative Bob Turner-D, the Democratic Caucus Chair, visited with us and offered his office as a resource to the fraternity in its attempts to be servants of all.

It was a wonderful turnout and we look forward to holding this event every year.

Honestly Now, if you want to change the future, you must sit at the table with those who will influence it!

06! love from State Rep. Jason Fields