Friday, September 26

Two Years In a Row, More in poverty
"More than a million Americans sank into poverty last year, an annual Census report is expected to show today. It would be the first time in nearly a decade that the number of poor rose two years in a row.

"Experts at the University of Michigan, the conservative-leaning Heritage Foundation and the liberal-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities said they expected official figures to show the U.S. poverty rate growing from 11.7% in 2001 to around 12.3% in 2002. Their predictions generally are accurate within a few decimal points." (Source: USA Today, September 26, 2003.)

If not already there, visit my website.
E-mail your comments
#145

Tuesday, September 23

Hillary and Republicans
In response to a Slate article on the Republicans who want Hillary to run in 2004, I posted this reply: "Subject: Republicans for Hillary
From: Archinsc
Date: Sep 23 2003 1:48AM

Hillary ought to keep her eye on the prize in 2008 and until then continue to invigorate supporters and infuriate the right. She is going to be the first female president of the United States - and in the meantime, Bill ought to stay abreast of world affairs and continue to travel, speak and enjoy the cuisines of the world. He will be needed as Secretary of State in Hillary's administration."

If not already there, visit my website.
E-mail your comments
#144

Saturday, September 20

African Americans in South Carolina
African Americans represent about 30 percent of South Carolina's population of 4 million -- the third-highest percentage among states. They are twice as likely to be unemployed than white workers. The state has the third-highest percentage of black people who rank below the national averages in education and income. Black infants die at twice the rate of white infants, and black men are three times more likely to die from prostate cancer than white men. (Darryl Fears, Staff Writer, The Washington Post, 9/20/03, pg A08)

If not already there, visit my website.
E-mail your comments
#143

Monday, September 1

Response on "Labor Day"
Very good and appreciated. Would like to let you know in fairness that there was an article in yesterday's Post & Courier on Labor Day and its meaning. I had gotten a call from a reporter who had seen a letter to the editor I had written about a month ago and started to question the meaning behind Labor Day It was on the front page of one of the sections (I think the Life Section) I had sent in an editorial also which they did not print. At the ILA picnic today there were some politicians . I saw the following: Inez Tenenbaum, Mayor Riley, Jimmy Bailey, David Mack, Floyd Breeland, Seth Whipper, Senator Ford, Congressman Clyburn, and reverend Sharpton, and a young man running for CPW. It is also good to read your emails. Thank you and hope you enjoyed your Labor Day.
Erin McKee
Pres. Charleston Labor Council

Dear Arch,

I'm happy to report that, here on the Grand Strand, a community known for its success in keeping the unions out of the hospitality industry and, thus, low wages and minimal benefits, the "Sun News," our local paper, did run a tribute to those of us who work on holidays so others can relax.

Jon

My dad always said labor day was his favorite holiday because it was for the 'working man.'
Our family always celebrated with a trip to the lake or a cookout at home.
Yesterday found me scrubbing and painting a vacant rental unit, but thinking of dad.

Rose Mary

If not already there, visit my website.
E-mail your comments
#142
Labor Day
Today is the day set aside to honor the workers who labored in the multiple vineyards of America from the factories to the fields, from the bridges to the stores, and from the docks to the moon. In so doing these men and women built America into the most prosperous country throughout history. Unfortunately, the true meaning of this day appears to be lost. For most it is just an end-of-summer holiday. Our Republican Governor has not issued any proclamation; not surprising in a state which abhors labor unions. Local politicians are off somewhere, probably the beach enjoying the holiday. The local daily (The Post and Courier) did not have an editorial saluting workers or even mentioning the occasion. Over the weekend, our pastor did not mention workers in his sermon, as others have done in the past. (Remember Reum Novarum?) One union (the longshoremen) will have a picnic in the suburbs. Regardless, we ought to recall the hard labor, long hours, and sacrifices made by workers to build America and the continuing equally hard and challenging tasks today's workers are called upon to meet. Capital and labor go hand in hand in America and it is necessary to give each its due.

If not already there, visit my website.
E-mail your comments
#141