Written by: Kelly L. Hunter
My name is Kelly Hunter; I am the mother of a beautiful bi-racial son. My son is my light and my life; it is because of him and the rest of the world’s children that I am on a quest to help make positive change in my community and throughout the world. I have discovered that being a White-American living in the United States either works for you or against you depending on whom or what you are fighting for. Racism and discrimination is still as prevalent in almost every community in the United States as it was 200 years ago; so what can we do as a society and members of our communities to change this?
Recently a local African-American police officer was patrolling the streets of Punta Gorda. Punta Gorda is a small town within Charlotte County, Florida where I am a resident. While driving through one of our lower income areas, the officer noticed that there was a noose hanging in a man’s yard. This frightened him so much that he reportedly got out of his car and started taking pictures of the hangman’s noose that hung just in front of an old tattered confederate flag. Much attention was brought to the man with the noose by local news media and other outraged members of our community. When I saw the story on the news late one night, I could not believe what I was seeing and hearing. My first thought was “Are you kidding me, is this a joke?” My second thought was “What can I do to raise awareness about racism and help fight against things like this?” Katie Spinner, a local reporter for the Herald Tribune Newspaper, started her story out like this, “Beneath a drab and tattered Confederate flag, a noose drops from a tall wooden poll, just yards from the brilliant blues and yellows of a playground on Scott Street.” (Spinner, K. 2007). Carl Brooks, a local Baptist church pastor, and his congregation decided to take a walk by Michael Whiteaker’s home on Scott Street one Sunday morning after the story was brought to light, in order to view the noose for themselves. Pastor Brooks told Katie Spinner in an interview that “It brings to the surface what I’ve already know – that racism is alive and well.” (Spinner, K. 2007). I would have to agree with Pastor Brooks that racism is still out there and it doesn’t seem to be going away any time soon unless we as a community begin standing together and speaking up.
According to Mr. Whiteaker, he does not understand why anyone would find his noose display to be offensive and considers it to be a “harmless joke” and a conversation piece. (Spinner, K. 2007). I personally did not find this to be funny or harmless and quite the contrary, I was extremely offended. After turning off the news on that late October night, I was so upset that I had a great deal of trouble sleeping. The next morning, I decided that I was not going to sit quietly and I was going to raise awareness not only about this incident, but about all hate-crimes and racial injustices. I immediately began making phone calls to all of my friends and family members asking for their opinions on the matter. I was pleased to see that I was not alone.
I decided that the best way to address this unfortunate situation would be to host a unity march in my community. I immediately started making fliers; I ended up printing 300 fliers all together. I went through a lot of ink, paper, and money but I truly felt that this was something that needed to be done. I began contacting as many people that I could find on the Internet who lived in and around the surrounding areas of my community; the response that I received was so positive and inspiring. The following days, I hit the streets on foot to pass out the fliers for this meaningful event. I felt that if I were walking around the community that I would be able to talk to members of my community on a more personal and social level.
The response that I received from members of my community while handing out the fliers was extremely promising; all but one individual vowed to be in attendance. I was also contact by the GREP (Guerilla Republik) from Orlando saying that they would be coming down to show their support for my community; they were also bringing a political Hip-Hop artist and spoken word guru Madd Illz who was willing to perform for free if I could find a venue that would allow us to host a benefit show at their establishment. I was able to convince a local man who owns a cigar bar to allow us to utilize his business for free as well. Things could not have been going any better; this was going to be huge. I contacted every media outlet that I could think of to cover this occasion.
The morning of the unity march was here and I was so excited. A friend of mine called me early that morning to tell me that there was great news; the man with the noose had taken it down. I was thrilled with the news and decided to drive by his home to see for myself; the noose was gone. I thought to myself that this was a wonderful way to start off our unity march. As two of my friends and I headed to the designated meeting point for the march we grew more and more excited. After we arrived we got all of our protest signs out of the trunk; I had made about 20 signs in case people didn’t have their own. An hour went by and the only people to show up were a couple of my close friends, the GREP, and Madd Illz. We could not believe it; the news stations that had covered the story of the noose did not even show up. We decided to go on with our march anyway.
I learned a great deal that day about my town and the people who make up my community. I realized that the media truly only seems to care about stories of negative impact and not those of positive influence and change. Charlotte County is comprised of mostly White-Americans like me from every level of social class. However, there is quite a bit of cultural and ethnic diversity within my community as well. The following graph represents the percentages of the different ethnic groups that make up the population of Charlotte County, Florida.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Ethnic Groups and Discrimination: European-Americans
Written by: Kelly L. Hunter
The land that we now call the United States of America, once belong to the Native American Indians. These Native Americans came from many lands before settling in the continental region of North America; many came from parts of Alaska, Hawaii, and other Pacific islands. Explores started coming to the Americas long before people now known as Americans, began to emigrate here and before they began colonizing the land. In fact, some say that the first Native American group encountered by Christopher Columbus was in the year of 1492. They were known as the Taino of Boriquen; a land known to us today as Puerto Rico. (Native Americans in. 2007). “The European colonization of the Americas nearly obliterated the populations and cultures of the Native Americans.” (Native Americans in. 2007). “The White colonists prior to the Revolutionary War, though immigrants by one definition, did not consider themselves immigrants; rather, approximately 78% of the English population conceived themselves as Founders, Settlers, and Planters.” (White American Experience. 2007). The definition of a White American (not of Hispanic origin) is a person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, North Africa, or the Middle East. (White American Experience. 2007).
Back in 1850, describing what a White American was, seemed fairly simple. Most of these people were considered to be of Anglo-Saxon or Protestant backgrounds. It wasn’t until after the Civil War that immigrants began arriving from Central and Southern Europe. These individuals spoke different languages and came from many variations of cultures, they were nothing like the people who had come before them. This would explain how the American people of today have become so diverse. Our ancestors came to this land thousands of years ago in search of religious freedom, and in search of a better way of life for their families. This is the very reason that so many people to-this-day still want to immigrate to the United States. Unfortunately, greed and the dislike of people from different backgrounds have been passed through generation after generation of American’s; this is known as xenophobia. Xenophobia, (the fear or hatred of strangers or foreigners) led naturally to nativism (beliefs and policies favoring native-born citizens over immigrants). (Schaefer, R. 2006). The original “settlers” of this land wanted the Americas all to themselves, and had not planned on sharing it with the many immigrants that soon followed.
The Chinese would be the first immigrant group to experience the many restrictions that immigrants are still facing today. Before the year of 1851, official records show that only 46 Chinese people had immigrated to the United States. (Schaefer, R. 2006). That number would grow enormously to more than 200,000 Chinese immigrants during the next 30 years. The Chinese were lured to America through the discovery of gold and the many job opportunities that were opening up in the West. (Schaefer, R. 2006). Many other factors played a huge roll in the Chinese immigration to the United States as well, including overcrowding, drought, and warfare. The Chinese were considered to be a very valuable resource for filling manual jobs to the frontier lands such as California. (Schaefer, R. 2006). In the 1860s, railroad construction would provide the greatest demand for Chinese labor, that was until the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads were joined at Promontory, Utah, in 1869. (Schaefer, R. 2006). According to Richard Schaefer, “The Union Pacific relied primarily on Irish laborers, but 90 percent of the Central Pacific labor force was Chinese because Whites generally refused the backbreaking work over the Western terrain.” (Schaefer, R. 2006). Schaefer also states that, “Despite the contribution of the Chinese, White workers physically prevented them from attending the driving of the golden spike to mark the joining of the two railroads.” (Schaefer, R. 2006).
The Irish would also face the same kind of xenophobia as the Chinese had already encountered. According to Schaefer, “Roman Catholics in general and the Irish in particular were among the first Europeans to be ill treated.” (Schaefer, R. 2006). There were very few Catholics in early colonial settlements, and they were faced with many limitations concerning their religious and civil rights. The anti-Catholic agenda originated in Europe and was later brought to colonial America by the Protestant immigrants who settled on this land. The Irish faced mob like violence as well as having their Catholic churches burnt to the ground. African-American’s experienced similar xenophobia after the abolishment of slavery. “The Irish were worse than Blacks, according to the dominant Whites, because unlike the slaves and even the freed Blacks, who “knew their place”, the Irish did not suffer their maltreatment in silence.”, says Schaefer. (Schaefer, R. 2006).
The African’s were sold by their tribal leaders to European-Americans and shipped to the United States in order to work as slaves. As we all know, slavery was not abolished until the end of the Civil War. And it seems that as time has progressed, many of the ethnic groups who originally immigrated to this country thousands of years ago; have been slowly accepted into this country. However, it seems that the African- American’s, at least in my opinion, suffered the most where discrimination is concerned. This was the only ethnic group that had been sold and bought as slaves. All the other immigrants came here on their own will, but the African’s were made to come here. They had no civil or religious rights, and it wasn’t for many years after slavery ended, that they actually started receiving any kind of benefits as people of this great country.
There have been many ethnic groups who have immigrated to the United States, and it seems that all have experienced many forms of xenophobia from White America. This xenophobia has come in the forms of institutional discrimination, dual labor markets, double jeopardy, redlining, the fight against affirmative action, glass ceilings, glass walls, institutional discrimination, and environmental justice issues, just to name a few. The average White American or European-American has encouraged people to come to this land and do the work that they do not want to do themselves for the fraction of the acceptable pay for these jobs. It seems that once these immigrants fight for equality or fair treatment, many of us want to deport them back to their homelands and pretend as if they were never here. I would have to say that I identify with the United States mainstream culture and not that of my fellow ancestors.
Reference(s)
“Native Americans in the United States”. Wikipedia. (2007). p.1-15. Retrieved on October 6, 2007.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_Americans_in_the_United_States
Schaefer, Richard T., “Racial and Ethnic Groups”. Prentice-Hall. (2006). p91.
“White American Experience”. Fort Gordon Equal Opportunity Office. (2007). P.1-9. Retrieved on October 5, 2007.
http://www.gordon.army.mil/eoo/white.htm.
The land that we now call the United States of America, once belong to the Native American Indians. These Native Americans came from many lands before settling in the continental region of North America; many came from parts of Alaska, Hawaii, and other Pacific islands. Explores started coming to the Americas long before people now known as Americans, began to emigrate here and before they began colonizing the land. In fact, some say that the first Native American group encountered by Christopher Columbus was in the year of 1492. They were known as the Taino of Boriquen; a land known to us today as Puerto Rico. (Native Americans in. 2007). “The European colonization of the Americas nearly obliterated the populations and cultures of the Native Americans.” (Native Americans in. 2007). “The White colonists prior to the Revolutionary War, though immigrants by one definition, did not consider themselves immigrants; rather, approximately 78% of the English population conceived themselves as Founders, Settlers, and Planters.” (White American Experience. 2007). The definition of a White American (not of Hispanic origin) is a person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, North Africa, or the Middle East. (White American Experience. 2007).
Back in 1850, describing what a White American was, seemed fairly simple. Most of these people were considered to be of Anglo-Saxon or Protestant backgrounds. It wasn’t until after the Civil War that immigrants began arriving from Central and Southern Europe. These individuals spoke different languages and came from many variations of cultures, they were nothing like the people who had come before them. This would explain how the American people of today have become so diverse. Our ancestors came to this land thousands of years ago in search of religious freedom, and in search of a better way of life for their families. This is the very reason that so many people to-this-day still want to immigrate to the United States. Unfortunately, greed and the dislike of people from different backgrounds have been passed through generation after generation of American’s; this is known as xenophobia. Xenophobia, (the fear or hatred of strangers or foreigners) led naturally to nativism (beliefs and policies favoring native-born citizens over immigrants). (Schaefer, R. 2006). The original “settlers” of this land wanted the Americas all to themselves, and had not planned on sharing it with the many immigrants that soon followed.
The Chinese would be the first immigrant group to experience the many restrictions that immigrants are still facing today. Before the year of 1851, official records show that only 46 Chinese people had immigrated to the United States. (Schaefer, R. 2006). That number would grow enormously to more than 200,000 Chinese immigrants during the next 30 years. The Chinese were lured to America through the discovery of gold and the many job opportunities that were opening up in the West. (Schaefer, R. 2006). Many other factors played a huge roll in the Chinese immigration to the United States as well, including overcrowding, drought, and warfare. The Chinese were considered to be a very valuable resource for filling manual jobs to the frontier lands such as California. (Schaefer, R. 2006). In the 1860s, railroad construction would provide the greatest demand for Chinese labor, that was until the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads were joined at Promontory, Utah, in 1869. (Schaefer, R. 2006). According to Richard Schaefer, “The Union Pacific relied primarily on Irish laborers, but 90 percent of the Central Pacific labor force was Chinese because Whites generally refused the backbreaking work over the Western terrain.” (Schaefer, R. 2006). Schaefer also states that, “Despite the contribution of the Chinese, White workers physically prevented them from attending the driving of the golden spike to mark the joining of the two railroads.” (Schaefer, R. 2006).
The Irish would also face the same kind of xenophobia as the Chinese had already encountered. According to Schaefer, “Roman Catholics in general and the Irish in particular were among the first Europeans to be ill treated.” (Schaefer, R. 2006). There were very few Catholics in early colonial settlements, and they were faced with many limitations concerning their religious and civil rights. The anti-Catholic agenda originated in Europe and was later brought to colonial America by the Protestant immigrants who settled on this land. The Irish faced mob like violence as well as having their Catholic churches burnt to the ground. African-American’s experienced similar xenophobia after the abolishment of slavery. “The Irish were worse than Blacks, according to the dominant Whites, because unlike the slaves and even the freed Blacks, who “knew their place”, the Irish did not suffer their maltreatment in silence.”, says Schaefer. (Schaefer, R. 2006).
The African’s were sold by their tribal leaders to European-Americans and shipped to the United States in order to work as slaves. As we all know, slavery was not abolished until the end of the Civil War. And it seems that as time has progressed, many of the ethnic groups who originally immigrated to this country thousands of years ago; have been slowly accepted into this country. However, it seems that the African- American’s, at least in my opinion, suffered the most where discrimination is concerned. This was the only ethnic group that had been sold and bought as slaves. All the other immigrants came here on their own will, but the African’s were made to come here. They had no civil or religious rights, and it wasn’t for many years after slavery ended, that they actually started receiving any kind of benefits as people of this great country.
There have been many ethnic groups who have immigrated to the United States, and it seems that all have experienced many forms of xenophobia from White America. This xenophobia has come in the forms of institutional discrimination, dual labor markets, double jeopardy, redlining, the fight against affirmative action, glass ceilings, glass walls, institutional discrimination, and environmental justice issues, just to name a few. The average White American or European-American has encouraged people to come to this land and do the work that they do not want to do themselves for the fraction of the acceptable pay for these jobs. It seems that once these immigrants fight for equality or fair treatment, many of us want to deport them back to their homelands and pretend as if they were never here. I would have to say that I identify with the United States mainstream culture and not that of my fellow ancestors.
Reference(s)
“Native Americans in the United States”. Wikipedia. (2007). p.1-15. Retrieved on October 6, 2007.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_Americans_in_the_United_States
Schaefer, Richard T., “Racial and Ethnic Groups”. Prentice-Hall. (2006). p91.
“White American Experience”. Fort Gordon Equal Opportunity Office. (2007). P.1-9. Retrieved on October 5, 2007.
http://www.gordon.army.mil/eoo/white.htm.
Bilingual Eduation: Good or Bad?
Written by: Kelly L. Hunter
Freedom Road Socialist Organization
Joe Navarro is a bilingual education teacher who is frustrated with the many waves of assaults on bilingual education. According to Navarro, “Good educational theory and practices are officially and routinely undermined, while school district chips away at the bilingual program, shaving it down to nearly nothing.”(Navarro. 2007). Navarro also states that “Children are forced to transition into English-only learning without understanding English adequately.” (Navarro. 2007). According to Navarro, the bilingual educational programs were established in order to help the persistent struggle to defend the linguistic rights of all Latino and Asian students. Joe Navarro is quoted to say that “Educators are being pressured to abandon their beliefs in order to meet state mandates.” (Navarro. 2007). In 1998, Proposition 227, was put into affect in California. This ballot initiative convinced California voters to vote against bilingual education and put an end to all bilingual programs in the school system. This was based on misinformation, racist fear mongering, and anti-immigrant sentiments. (Navarro. 2007). It seems that the purpose of bilingual education has been misconstrued and distorted by government officials and many people in society. Navarro discusses these distorted views and says that, “Through a series of myths, such as the idea that the role of bilingual education is solely to maintain immigrant languages and prevent the learning of English, and accusations that Latinos and other immigrants simply refuse to learn English.” (Navarro. 2007). All-in-all, Navarro feels that English-only education comes with severe and irreversible consequences for many non-English speaking individuals. He feels that in addition to producing language-confused and undereducated people, this will also create certain barriers within families as well. Joe Navarro seems to be very passionate about his beliefs and support of bilingual education and feels that bilingual education has been victimized.
Navarro, Joe. Nine Years after Proposition 227: What Can We Do To Save Bilingual Education? Freedom Road Socialist Organization. (July, 2007). Retrieved November 1, 2007. http://freedomroad.org/content/view/451/1/lang,en/
Banishing Bilingualism
It seems that in California the word “bilingual” is consider to be as bad as any “four-letter” word. This word has been banned from all schooling vocabularies in the state. The word bilingual has been replaced with words like “English-language learning”. It is also against the law in California to talk to or to instruct a student in their native language if their language is one other than that of English. According to Susan Katz, “In an attempt to remake a teaching force in California that lacks any memory of bilingual education and any skill in teaching to the strengths of non-English-speaking students, the board of education has decided to end the granting of the two major teaching credentials—CLAD (Cross-cultural Language and Academic Development) and BCLAD (Bilingual Cross-cultural Language and Academic Development).” (Katz. 2002). Katz goes on to say that “By the end of 2003, when 45 percent of the students in California public schools will be living in non-English-speaking homes, these credentials will be phased out.” (Katz. 2002). According to Ms. Katz, “The direction of today’s education policy in California largely derives from the English for the Children initiative passed in 1998, sponsored by millionaire conservative Ron Unz and upheld by the courts.” (Katz. 2002). It does seem that other states are beginning to follow in California’s footsteps, supporting these anti-bilingual acts. However, states like Colorado are in support of upholding all individual rights to linguistic diversity.
Katz, Susan and Kohl, Herbert. Banishing Bilingualism. The Nation. 275. p20. (December 9, 2002). Retrieved November 1, 2007. http://find.galegroup.com/ovrc/retrieve.do?subjectParam=Locale%2528en%253C
California’s Language Wars, Part II
Maria Mendoza, a 62 year old woman from Tucson, Arizona, began her quest to put an end to bilingual education back in the year of 1968. (Gorman. 1999). Mendoza decided to start her one-woman campaign after she had visited her child’s fourth-grade bilingual classroom. She was shocked to find that there were students in this class that were unable to read English. According to Siobhan Gorman, “In 1974, she sued the Tucson Unified School District, asserting that students in bilingual classes were being discriminated against by not being taught English.” (Gorman. 1999). Gorman goes on to state that “The suit led to a statute requiring the district to give parents a choice about placing their children in bilingual classes.” (Gorman. 1999). As far as Maria Mendoza is concerned, this was not enough and she feels that Arizona’s school board should ban any and all bilingual education. In 1998, Proposition 227 passed in California; this left Maria Mendoza will hope for success. She had hoped that the California test scores would provide her with enough ammunition to help gets laws passed by the year 2000. (Gorman. 1999). According to Gorman, “Recent polls point to strong public sentiment in favor of English-only education.” (Gorman. 1999). So while society seems to be largely in favor of putting an end to bilingual education, politicians like Al Gore have been very supportive of the continuation of bilingual educational programs. President Bush has also been said to be pushing for something he calls “English-plus”—which allows for the continuation of bilingual education, as long as test scores indicate that children are also learning English.
Gorman, Siobhan. California’s Language Wars, Part II. National Journal. 31.31. (July 1999). Retrieved November 1, 2007.
http://find.galegroup.com/ovrc/retrieve.do?subjectParam=Locale%2528en%252c%
Language Politics in the U.S.A.: The Paradox of Bilingual Education
According to James Crawford, “Whether to continue teaching LEP students in two languages is now a matter of public debate throughout the U.S.A.” Crawford goes on to say that “Since the mid-1980s, critics have won increasing support for the contention that this experiment, while well-intentioned, has failed to meet expectations.” (Crawford. 1998). Since the late 1990s, many of our policymakers are trying to come up with effective ways to limit or dismantle these different bilingual education programs. California, was the first state in the United States to choose to ban bilingual education in their school systems. According to Crawford, “Ironically, research provides considerably more support for bilingual approaches today than it did in 1968, when few program models existed and almost none had been evaluated.” (Crawford. 1998). As stated in this article, there have been new research findings that confirm that developing fluent bilingualism and cultivating academic excellence are complementary, rather than contradictory, goals. (Crawford. 1998). James Crawford also feels that it is not necessary to sacrifice LEP students’ native languages in order to teach them effectively in English. According to Mr. Crawford, “Politically speaking, however, the research findings are less encouraging and in fact, they support an educational rationale for bilingual instruction that is both complex and counterintuitive to members of the public.” (Crawford. 1998).
Crawford, James. Language Politics in the U.S.A.: The Paradox of Bilingual Education. Social Justice 25. no.3. (Fall 1998).
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/JWCRAWFORD/paradox.htm
Freedom Road Socialist Organization
Joe Navarro is a bilingual education teacher who is frustrated with the many waves of assaults on bilingual education. According to Navarro, “Good educational theory and practices are officially and routinely undermined, while school district chips away at the bilingual program, shaving it down to nearly nothing.”(Navarro. 2007). Navarro also states that “Children are forced to transition into English-only learning without understanding English adequately.” (Navarro. 2007). According to Navarro, the bilingual educational programs were established in order to help the persistent struggle to defend the linguistic rights of all Latino and Asian students. Joe Navarro is quoted to say that “Educators are being pressured to abandon their beliefs in order to meet state mandates.” (Navarro. 2007). In 1998, Proposition 227, was put into affect in California. This ballot initiative convinced California voters to vote against bilingual education and put an end to all bilingual programs in the school system. This was based on misinformation, racist fear mongering, and anti-immigrant sentiments. (Navarro. 2007). It seems that the purpose of bilingual education has been misconstrued and distorted by government officials and many people in society. Navarro discusses these distorted views and says that, “Through a series of myths, such as the idea that the role of bilingual education is solely to maintain immigrant languages and prevent the learning of English, and accusations that Latinos and other immigrants simply refuse to learn English.” (Navarro. 2007). All-in-all, Navarro feels that English-only education comes with severe and irreversible consequences for many non-English speaking individuals. He feels that in addition to producing language-confused and undereducated people, this will also create certain barriers within families as well. Joe Navarro seems to be very passionate about his beliefs and support of bilingual education and feels that bilingual education has been victimized.
Navarro, Joe. Nine Years after Proposition 227: What Can We Do To Save Bilingual Education? Freedom Road Socialist Organization. (July, 2007). Retrieved November 1, 2007. http://freedomroad.org/content/view/451/1/lang,en/
Banishing Bilingualism
It seems that in California the word “bilingual” is consider to be as bad as any “four-letter” word. This word has been banned from all schooling vocabularies in the state. The word bilingual has been replaced with words like “English-language learning”. It is also against the law in California to talk to or to instruct a student in their native language if their language is one other than that of English. According to Susan Katz, “In an attempt to remake a teaching force in California that lacks any memory of bilingual education and any skill in teaching to the strengths of non-English-speaking students, the board of education has decided to end the granting of the two major teaching credentials—CLAD (Cross-cultural Language and Academic Development) and BCLAD (Bilingual Cross-cultural Language and Academic Development).” (Katz. 2002). Katz goes on to say that “By the end of 2003, when 45 percent of the students in California public schools will be living in non-English-speaking homes, these credentials will be phased out.” (Katz. 2002). According to Ms. Katz, “The direction of today’s education policy in California largely derives from the English for the Children initiative passed in 1998, sponsored by millionaire conservative Ron Unz and upheld by the courts.” (Katz. 2002). It does seem that other states are beginning to follow in California’s footsteps, supporting these anti-bilingual acts. However, states like Colorado are in support of upholding all individual rights to linguistic diversity.
Katz, Susan and Kohl, Herbert. Banishing Bilingualism. The Nation. 275. p20. (December 9, 2002). Retrieved November 1, 2007. http://find.galegroup.com/ovrc/retrieve.do?subjectParam=Locale%2528en%253C
California’s Language Wars, Part II
Maria Mendoza, a 62 year old woman from Tucson, Arizona, began her quest to put an end to bilingual education back in the year of 1968. (Gorman. 1999). Mendoza decided to start her one-woman campaign after she had visited her child’s fourth-grade bilingual classroom. She was shocked to find that there were students in this class that were unable to read English. According to Siobhan Gorman, “In 1974, she sued the Tucson Unified School District, asserting that students in bilingual classes were being discriminated against by not being taught English.” (Gorman. 1999). Gorman goes on to state that “The suit led to a statute requiring the district to give parents a choice about placing their children in bilingual classes.” (Gorman. 1999). As far as Maria Mendoza is concerned, this was not enough and she feels that Arizona’s school board should ban any and all bilingual education. In 1998, Proposition 227 passed in California; this left Maria Mendoza will hope for success. She had hoped that the California test scores would provide her with enough ammunition to help gets laws passed by the year 2000. (Gorman. 1999). According to Gorman, “Recent polls point to strong public sentiment in favor of English-only education.” (Gorman. 1999). So while society seems to be largely in favor of putting an end to bilingual education, politicians like Al Gore have been very supportive of the continuation of bilingual educational programs. President Bush has also been said to be pushing for something he calls “English-plus”—which allows for the continuation of bilingual education, as long as test scores indicate that children are also learning English.
Gorman, Siobhan. California’s Language Wars, Part II. National Journal. 31.31. (July 1999). Retrieved November 1, 2007.
http://find.galegroup.com/ovrc/retrieve.do?subjectParam=Locale%2528en%252c%
Language Politics in the U.S.A.: The Paradox of Bilingual Education
According to James Crawford, “Whether to continue teaching LEP students in two languages is now a matter of public debate throughout the U.S.A.” Crawford goes on to say that “Since the mid-1980s, critics have won increasing support for the contention that this experiment, while well-intentioned, has failed to meet expectations.” (Crawford. 1998). Since the late 1990s, many of our policymakers are trying to come up with effective ways to limit or dismantle these different bilingual education programs. California, was the first state in the United States to choose to ban bilingual education in their school systems. According to Crawford, “Ironically, research provides considerably more support for bilingual approaches today than it did in 1968, when few program models existed and almost none had been evaluated.” (Crawford. 1998). As stated in this article, there have been new research findings that confirm that developing fluent bilingualism and cultivating academic excellence are complementary, rather than contradictory, goals. (Crawford. 1998). James Crawford also feels that it is not necessary to sacrifice LEP students’ native languages in order to teach them effectively in English. According to Mr. Crawford, “Politically speaking, however, the research findings are less encouraging and in fact, they support an educational rationale for bilingual instruction that is both complex and counterintuitive to members of the public.” (Crawford. 1998).
Crawford, James. Language Politics in the U.S.A.: The Paradox of Bilingual Education. Social Justice 25. no.3. (Fall 1998).
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/JWCRAWFORD/paradox.htm
Wage Inequality: The U.S. Housing Industry
Written by: Kelly L. Hunter
Wage inequality is an issue that has affected every industry in the United States. The housing industry is no stranger to such issues. In fact, the housing industry has been dealing with wage inequality for over a decade and quite possibly longer than that. There are many factors that have caused wage inequality in the U.S. housing industry; immigration is one of those factors. The need for more productive labor is another factor. Technology has begun to replace hands-on labor and this is beginning to worry many workers and contractors in the housing industry. Decreases in pension and retirement plans are also a major concern when it comes to wage inequality. “Old- style pension plans from employers that promised workers a fixed sum each month in their retirement years are rapidly disappearing in favor of 401(k)-style savings plans that require active worker involvement and place the risk of financial loss on the individual” (Trigaux. 2006. ¶ 17).
Florida is one of the many states where workers are feeling the affects of wage inequality the most. This region was once known for its vast selection of affordable housing and even that is now a distant memory. Other set backs such as the rise in gasoline, an increase in property taxes and homeowner’s insurance, as well as soaring electric bills, have many workers on the edge of their seats in a panic. “In The State of Working America, the economist authors attribute the rising inequality in paychecks to a series of setbacks for lower-paid workers: The lack of movement in improving the $5.15-per-hour federal minimum wage” (Trigaux. 2006. ¶ 18). Healthcare benefits are also sky-rocketing; thus causing an increase of deductions from paychecks for those who currently have benefits and denying the ability to afford them for those who do not.
Education is also becoming an issue as well as a factor in wage inequality and is not necessarily a guarantee of prosperity or job security. Individuals with less schooling in areas of higher education really bear the brunt of our current economic crisis. “Blue-collar workers made up 43.4 percent of the long-term unemployed in 1989. Last year, their share was 29 percent and White-collar unemployed for the long-term rose in that period from 31 to 42 percent” (Trigaux. 2006. ¶ 19). Unemployment amongst individuals who possess at least a minimum of a four year college degree is said to be relatively low. However, individual’s who only have a high school diploma may find that they have a very difficult time finding a decent wage or any job at all during these current economic struggles. “While the time-pressed BlackBerry crowd is connected to the workplace around the clock, workers with less education are hard-pressed to find good jobs” (Trigaux. 2006.).
With many homeowners’ losing their homes and rental properties to foreclosure, the housing market is experiencing troubling times that do not seem to be going away anytime soon. With few people purchasing homes, builders are finding it hard to secure contracts. Relatively no one is investing in real estate at this time, let alone building new homes. In Charlotte County, Florida alone, there are many Spec homes that have sat unfinished for well over four years now. Contractors and builders are refusing to invest anymore of their money in homes that are not going to be sold. The question is, how long can these homes sit unfinished and unprotected before the framework and other elements begin to weather beyond repair causing further financial loss?
“We are in a watershed time in our economy, where technology has transformed how we work (and) globalization is changing the rules of the game for low-skilled, semiskilled workers,” (Trigaux. 2006. ¶ 23). The demand for more efficient productivity has increased the demand for newer technologies which in some cases bares a burden on those who do not possess the knowledge or experience needed to operate this more advanced equipment. In this industry, the more you know will most likely increase your chance of earning a higher paying wage. Immigration has caused a rift in wages due to the fact that many are willing to work longer hours for less pay. New policies will need to be put into place in order to stop this kind of inequality. Wages should reflect the work being performed and unfair as it is, it’s definitely a reality. “Human beings must have access to the goods and services necessary to support and sustain their dignity; for workers that means a wage adequate to purchase those goods and services” (Figart. 2001. ¶ 2).
Our economy has been spiraling out of control for quite some time and everyone from the rich to the poor has been feeling its strains. In order to fix the many issues that the housing industry has been struggling with, policy makers are going to have to make some much needed changes. Wage inequality has been going on for so long that it is going to take a great deal of work in order to get things back on track. Immigration, technology, education, and a failing economy are amongst the most significant factors contributing to this industry’s downfall. Only time will tell if Washington can get us out of this mess.
Reference(s)
Figart, D.M. “Ethical foundations of the contemporary living wage movement”. International Journal of Social Economics. Vol 28. No 10/11/12. (2001). Retrieved January 25, 2009. http://www.emerald-library.com/ft
Trigaux, R. “Wheel churns out new reality; (North Pinellas Edition)”. Times Publishing Co. (2006). P. 1D. Retrieved January 25, 2009. http://swtuopproxy.museglobal.com
Wage inequality is an issue that has affected every industry in the United States. The housing industry is no stranger to such issues. In fact, the housing industry has been dealing with wage inequality for over a decade and quite possibly longer than that. There are many factors that have caused wage inequality in the U.S. housing industry; immigration is one of those factors. The need for more productive labor is another factor. Technology has begun to replace hands-on labor and this is beginning to worry many workers and contractors in the housing industry. Decreases in pension and retirement plans are also a major concern when it comes to wage inequality. “Old- style pension plans from employers that promised workers a fixed sum each month in their retirement years are rapidly disappearing in favor of 401(k)-style savings plans that require active worker involvement and place the risk of financial loss on the individual” (Trigaux. 2006. ¶ 17).
Florida is one of the many states where workers are feeling the affects of wage inequality the most. This region was once known for its vast selection of affordable housing and even that is now a distant memory. Other set backs such as the rise in gasoline, an increase in property taxes and homeowner’s insurance, as well as soaring electric bills, have many workers on the edge of their seats in a panic. “In The State of Working America, the economist authors attribute the rising inequality in paychecks to a series of setbacks for lower-paid workers: The lack of movement in improving the $5.15-per-hour federal minimum wage” (Trigaux. 2006. ¶ 18). Healthcare benefits are also sky-rocketing; thus causing an increase of deductions from paychecks for those who currently have benefits and denying the ability to afford them for those who do not.
Education is also becoming an issue as well as a factor in wage inequality and is not necessarily a guarantee of prosperity or job security. Individuals with less schooling in areas of higher education really bear the brunt of our current economic crisis. “Blue-collar workers made up 43.4 percent of the long-term unemployed in 1989. Last year, their share was 29 percent and White-collar unemployed for the long-term rose in that period from 31 to 42 percent” (Trigaux. 2006. ¶ 19). Unemployment amongst individuals who possess at least a minimum of a four year college degree is said to be relatively low. However, individual’s who only have a high school diploma may find that they have a very difficult time finding a decent wage or any job at all during these current economic struggles. “While the time-pressed BlackBerry crowd is connected to the workplace around the clock, workers with less education are hard-pressed to find good jobs” (Trigaux. 2006.).
With many homeowners’ losing their homes and rental properties to foreclosure, the housing market is experiencing troubling times that do not seem to be going away anytime soon. With few people purchasing homes, builders are finding it hard to secure contracts. Relatively no one is investing in real estate at this time, let alone building new homes. In Charlotte County, Florida alone, there are many Spec homes that have sat unfinished for well over four years now. Contractors and builders are refusing to invest anymore of their money in homes that are not going to be sold. The question is, how long can these homes sit unfinished and unprotected before the framework and other elements begin to weather beyond repair causing further financial loss?
“We are in a watershed time in our economy, where technology has transformed how we work (and) globalization is changing the rules of the game for low-skilled, semiskilled workers,” (Trigaux. 2006. ¶ 23). The demand for more efficient productivity has increased the demand for newer technologies which in some cases bares a burden on those who do not possess the knowledge or experience needed to operate this more advanced equipment. In this industry, the more you know will most likely increase your chance of earning a higher paying wage. Immigration has caused a rift in wages due to the fact that many are willing to work longer hours for less pay. New policies will need to be put into place in order to stop this kind of inequality. Wages should reflect the work being performed and unfair as it is, it’s definitely a reality. “Human beings must have access to the goods and services necessary to support and sustain their dignity; for workers that means a wage adequate to purchase those goods and services” (Figart. 2001. ¶ 2).
Our economy has been spiraling out of control for quite some time and everyone from the rich to the poor has been feeling its strains. In order to fix the many issues that the housing industry has been struggling with, policy makers are going to have to make some much needed changes. Wage inequality has been going on for so long that it is going to take a great deal of work in order to get things back on track. Immigration, technology, education, and a failing economy are amongst the most significant factors contributing to this industry’s downfall. Only time will tell if Washington can get us out of this mess.
Reference(s)
Figart, D.M. “Ethical foundations of the contemporary living wage movement”. International Journal of Social Economics. Vol 28. No 10/11/12. (2001). Retrieved January 25, 2009. http://www.emerald-library.com/ft
Trigaux, R. “Wheel churns out new reality; (North Pinellas Edition)”. Times Publishing Co. (2006). P. 1D. Retrieved January 25, 2009. http://swtuopproxy.museglobal.com
The Economical Effects on the U.S. Housing Industry
Written by: Kelly L. Hunter
By now it is common knowledge that the United States’ economy is at an all time low causing many homeowner’s as well as contractors and laborers within the housing industry to panic. Many industries have been greatly affected by this crisis and the U.S. housing industry has been one of the hardest hit throughout these unfortunate times. From unemployment to foreclosures, the housing industry has been on a downward spiral for many years now, causing concern and raising many important questions. Throughout this paper I will discuss several areas that have been affected within the housing industry that have many people concerned about what other obstacles may lie ahead for this particular industry. Supply and demand, positive and negative externalities, wage inequality, and monetary fiscal policies are the main focus of this paper.
Our increasing National and Foreign Trade deficits are having a major impact on every industry; especially the already struggling housing market. Increases in “short-term” interest rates have been substantial enough to cause alarm and have many wondering exactly how “short-term” these increases really are. “For example, a sudden increase in the interest rate, such as 2% (200 percentage basis points), would substantially impact most areas of our economy; it will impact the ability to make other positive changes in U.S. tax law, trade deficits, budget deficits, the housing market, and much more”(Levine. 2005). According to some experts, the actions of other foreign leaders may also have had a serious impact on the U.S. economy.
“Major foreign investors may determine that the sliding value of the U.S. dollar lessens real property values in the United States; terrorism remains an important concern in all areas, including its impact on economics; rising oil prices have damaged the hope for a trade balance; and other issues could potentially cause major upward changes in the interest rate”(Levine. 2005). The housing market has been affected very negatively due to many if not all of these factors. Employment rates have been affected mainly because the American people have lost their faith in the U.S. economy and fewer are buying real estate causing a decrease in employment within the housing industry itself. The price of real estate has gone down substantially over the past few years and homes that once sold for hundreds of thousands are now selling for as little as $28,000.00 or less in some regions of the country. These are prices that have not been seen for decades.
Production in this industry has decreased in such away that many houses and building structures sit unfinished and abandoned. The Federal government must increase interest rates in order to maintain and control the rate of inflation. “Wages and prices begin to increase if monetary policy stimulates the economy beyond the market capacity or when the money supply exceeds the real growth rate”(Kalainesan & Hoteit. 2006). Monetary policies have a tendency to cause a short-term increase in employment. However, on a long-term scale, unemployment begins to outweigh this increase. On the other hand, a decline in the housing market does not always mean a decline in the commercial sector of construction.
Employment may be decreasing on the private level in the housing industry. However, employment has remained relatively steady on the commercial level. Fiscal polices have had an effect on the housing market that has caused an increase in demand in commercial real estate. Many of us can drive down our local streets and highways and see that the commercial portion of the housing industry doesn’t seem to have been affected at all. Although buildings seem to be going up left and right, these spaces are not leasing out as quickly as many in the industry had hoped. This is a true sign of our current economic crisis, a crisis that does not seem to be going away anytime soon.
Other factors associated with the current struggle in the housing market include oil prices. “If the oil prices increase, the Feds will have to increase the interest rates to fight inflation which may cause further decline in the housing segment and the GDP” (Kalainesan & Hoteit. 2006). When American’s can no longer afford to put gas in their cars, it is obvious that they cannot afford to put their money into the housing industry either. Although most of us have seen a decrease in gasoline prices over the past couple of months, American’s are still worried that prices will sky rocket once again. Therefore, everyone from every classification of life seems to have a firm grip on their wallets. The housing market alone was a substantial carrier of the U.S. economy for many years and when an industry like this one can no longer hold itself up, further economic problems begin to arise and the tremendous set backs are felt throughout the entire nation and often times, the world.
It seems that negative externalities are the only thing surrounding the housing industry as of late. The days of low interest rates and the option for refinancing are becoming a distant memory. “Housing finance stands at the crossroads of savings and investment and, therefore, is at the very heart of economic development” (Waigel. 2000). With rapidly increasing interest rates, many individuals and families can no longer afford to purchase a home for their family to prosper and grow in. The old “Bubble” word is beginning to come up once again as well. A housing bubble occurs when housing prices begin to rise due to overgrowth in the market. According to reports, the riskiest housing markets included ten metropolitan areas in California. Boston, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Michigan are also areas where homes are extremely overpriced (Levine. 2005). Supply is no longer balanced with the demand for affordable housing.
Natural disasters although devastating to homeowners and renters alike, may have helped the housing industry to some degree. With millions left homeless after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Gulf Coast portion of the United States is where private home construction is seeing most of its contracts. However, if individuals and families cannot afford to rebuild their homes then where will the funding come from? Many non-profit organizations have stepped into help with the recovery efforts; however, fraud has played a major role in the decrease of Federal funding. “While about 95 percent of all IHP recipients of disaster relief assistance following hurricanes Katrina and Rita paid their federal taxes, tens of thousands owed federal taxes at the time of the disaster” (Tax Compliance. 2008). This factor alone has caused severe damage to our economy.
Wage inequality has also been an issue in every industry for quite some time and the housing industry has been no exception. “The middle class certainly has been affected, as the stagnation in wages put pressure on home ownership rates, but the big impact has been on the rental market, as both relative and real incomes fell for those at the bottom of the income distribution, the people who traditionally have been renters” (Schnare. 1996). If people are not making wages that can support their families, then they surely cannot afford to keep up on a mortgage payment or rent for that matter. There is a rapidly growing gap that separates the cost to operate an apartment or home and the ability for one to afford to rent property. “This has led to two problems, the physical decay we see in urban areas and an increased demand for government subsidies” (Schnare. 1996). If Federal funding is not available to organizations like HUD, then assistance cannot be distributed properly amongst lower income families. Reports indicate that the major problems with housing in urban areas can be related back to wage inequality.
Price elasticity is a measurement of how buyers respond to shifts in conditions of any given market. The housing market’s shift in price concerning real estate has caused a great deal of damage to not only the market but to the livelihood of society. Experts say that this is a buyer’s market, but is it really a good time to purchase a home? Mortgage companies and banks are going out of business by the dozens and what firms remain, are skeptical about lending out money. Our current deficits are said to be record breaking and if the government is in debt, the American population is in debt as well. The United States, once the richest countries in the world is now probably amongst the poorest; the War alone is digging us deeper into a hole.
In conclusion, the United States is in dire straits and economically speaking, we are falling apart at the seams. American people are losing their jobs, families are losing their homes, the percentage of homeless persons is increasing to astronomical proportions, foreign investors no longer want to put their money into our economy, and unemployment rates are out of control. Every market and industry across the board is suffering individually and as a whole. The American people no longer trust their government’s decision making process and job security has long been a thing of the past. There are no simple solutions to our current economic crisis that is for certain. In fact, the only thing that does seem to be for certain is that the American people are fed up with this unnecessary struggle. There are definitely no simple solutions to how we can pick up the pieces of what was once a prospering industry. The housing industry like many others, has hit rock bottom.
Our only hope seems to be that our new Presidential administration will help the American people rebuild our economy as well as our relationships with foreign countries and investors. The need to repair these relationships is apparent in order to strengthen not only our country’s economy but the global economy as well. Without foreign trade, our country will surely become one known for its long bread lines and severe poverty stricken people. In this day and age it is hard to wrap your mind around the fact that there are still so many underdeveloped countries. It would be a terrible shame to see a country once so powerful become amongst the weakest. Change is definitely our only hope and the only cure for this crisis. The question is, how long will it take for this change to come?
Reference(s)
Kalainesan, L., and Hoteit, T. “U.S. Economy 2006-2007 Forecast and Housing Market”. University of Dallas. (2006). Retrieved February 5, 2009.
Levine, M.L. “Budget Deficit, Trade Deficit, Savings Deficit and Monetary Policy Deficit: “Are We Ok?”. Real Estate Issues. (2005). Retrieved February 5, 2009. www.allbusiness.com
Lipsky, J. “The Global Economy and Financial Crisis”. International Monetary Fund. (2008). Retrieved December 11, 2008.
Povich, E. “Housing Industry Asks For Help With Hurricane Recovery”. Congress Daily. (2005). Retrieved December 17, 2008.
Schnare, A.B. “Income trends and the housing market-Special Issue: Earnings Inequality-Panel Discussion”. New England Economic Review. (1996). Retrieved December 30, 2008.
http://findarticles.com
“Tax Compliance: Some Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Disaster Assistance Recipients Have Unpaid…”. General Accounting Office Reports and Testimony. (2008). Retrieved February 12, 2009). www.allbusiness.com/government
Waigel, T. “Economic challenges to housing finance”. Housing Financial International. (2000). Retrieved February 12, 2009. http://www.allbusiness.com
By now it is common knowledge that the United States’ economy is at an all time low causing many homeowner’s as well as contractors and laborers within the housing industry to panic. Many industries have been greatly affected by this crisis and the U.S. housing industry has been one of the hardest hit throughout these unfortunate times. From unemployment to foreclosures, the housing industry has been on a downward spiral for many years now, causing concern and raising many important questions. Throughout this paper I will discuss several areas that have been affected within the housing industry that have many people concerned about what other obstacles may lie ahead for this particular industry. Supply and demand, positive and negative externalities, wage inequality, and monetary fiscal policies are the main focus of this paper.
Our increasing National and Foreign Trade deficits are having a major impact on every industry; especially the already struggling housing market. Increases in “short-term” interest rates have been substantial enough to cause alarm and have many wondering exactly how “short-term” these increases really are. “For example, a sudden increase in the interest rate, such as 2% (200 percentage basis points), would substantially impact most areas of our economy; it will impact the ability to make other positive changes in U.S. tax law, trade deficits, budget deficits, the housing market, and much more”(Levine. 2005). According to some experts, the actions of other foreign leaders may also have had a serious impact on the U.S. economy.
“Major foreign investors may determine that the sliding value of the U.S. dollar lessens real property values in the United States; terrorism remains an important concern in all areas, including its impact on economics; rising oil prices have damaged the hope for a trade balance; and other issues could potentially cause major upward changes in the interest rate”(Levine. 2005). The housing market has been affected very negatively due to many if not all of these factors. Employment rates have been affected mainly because the American people have lost their faith in the U.S. economy and fewer are buying real estate causing a decrease in employment within the housing industry itself. The price of real estate has gone down substantially over the past few years and homes that once sold for hundreds of thousands are now selling for as little as $28,000.00 or less in some regions of the country. These are prices that have not been seen for decades.
Production in this industry has decreased in such away that many houses and building structures sit unfinished and abandoned. The Federal government must increase interest rates in order to maintain and control the rate of inflation. “Wages and prices begin to increase if monetary policy stimulates the economy beyond the market capacity or when the money supply exceeds the real growth rate”(Kalainesan & Hoteit. 2006). Monetary policies have a tendency to cause a short-term increase in employment. However, on a long-term scale, unemployment begins to outweigh this increase. On the other hand, a decline in the housing market does not always mean a decline in the commercial sector of construction.
Employment may be decreasing on the private level in the housing industry. However, employment has remained relatively steady on the commercial level. Fiscal polices have had an effect on the housing market that has caused an increase in demand in commercial real estate. Many of us can drive down our local streets and highways and see that the commercial portion of the housing industry doesn’t seem to have been affected at all. Although buildings seem to be going up left and right, these spaces are not leasing out as quickly as many in the industry had hoped. This is a true sign of our current economic crisis, a crisis that does not seem to be going away anytime soon.
Other factors associated with the current struggle in the housing market include oil prices. “If the oil prices increase, the Feds will have to increase the interest rates to fight inflation which may cause further decline in the housing segment and the GDP” (Kalainesan & Hoteit. 2006). When American’s can no longer afford to put gas in their cars, it is obvious that they cannot afford to put their money into the housing industry either. Although most of us have seen a decrease in gasoline prices over the past couple of months, American’s are still worried that prices will sky rocket once again. Therefore, everyone from every classification of life seems to have a firm grip on their wallets. The housing market alone was a substantial carrier of the U.S. economy for many years and when an industry like this one can no longer hold itself up, further economic problems begin to arise and the tremendous set backs are felt throughout the entire nation and often times, the world.
It seems that negative externalities are the only thing surrounding the housing industry as of late. The days of low interest rates and the option for refinancing are becoming a distant memory. “Housing finance stands at the crossroads of savings and investment and, therefore, is at the very heart of economic development” (Waigel. 2000). With rapidly increasing interest rates, many individuals and families can no longer afford to purchase a home for their family to prosper and grow in. The old “Bubble” word is beginning to come up once again as well. A housing bubble occurs when housing prices begin to rise due to overgrowth in the market. According to reports, the riskiest housing markets included ten metropolitan areas in California. Boston, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Michigan are also areas where homes are extremely overpriced (Levine. 2005). Supply is no longer balanced with the demand for affordable housing.
Natural disasters although devastating to homeowners and renters alike, may have helped the housing industry to some degree. With millions left homeless after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Gulf Coast portion of the United States is where private home construction is seeing most of its contracts. However, if individuals and families cannot afford to rebuild their homes then where will the funding come from? Many non-profit organizations have stepped into help with the recovery efforts; however, fraud has played a major role in the decrease of Federal funding. “While about 95 percent of all IHP recipients of disaster relief assistance following hurricanes Katrina and Rita paid their federal taxes, tens of thousands owed federal taxes at the time of the disaster” (Tax Compliance. 2008). This factor alone has caused severe damage to our economy.
Wage inequality has also been an issue in every industry for quite some time and the housing industry has been no exception. “The middle class certainly has been affected, as the stagnation in wages put pressure on home ownership rates, but the big impact has been on the rental market, as both relative and real incomes fell for those at the bottom of the income distribution, the people who traditionally have been renters” (Schnare. 1996). If people are not making wages that can support their families, then they surely cannot afford to keep up on a mortgage payment or rent for that matter. There is a rapidly growing gap that separates the cost to operate an apartment or home and the ability for one to afford to rent property. “This has led to two problems, the physical decay we see in urban areas and an increased demand for government subsidies” (Schnare. 1996). If Federal funding is not available to organizations like HUD, then assistance cannot be distributed properly amongst lower income families. Reports indicate that the major problems with housing in urban areas can be related back to wage inequality.
Price elasticity is a measurement of how buyers respond to shifts in conditions of any given market. The housing market’s shift in price concerning real estate has caused a great deal of damage to not only the market but to the livelihood of society. Experts say that this is a buyer’s market, but is it really a good time to purchase a home? Mortgage companies and banks are going out of business by the dozens and what firms remain, are skeptical about lending out money. Our current deficits are said to be record breaking and if the government is in debt, the American population is in debt as well. The United States, once the richest countries in the world is now probably amongst the poorest; the War alone is digging us deeper into a hole.
In conclusion, the United States is in dire straits and economically speaking, we are falling apart at the seams. American people are losing their jobs, families are losing their homes, the percentage of homeless persons is increasing to astronomical proportions, foreign investors no longer want to put their money into our economy, and unemployment rates are out of control. Every market and industry across the board is suffering individually and as a whole. The American people no longer trust their government’s decision making process and job security has long been a thing of the past. There are no simple solutions to our current economic crisis that is for certain. In fact, the only thing that does seem to be for certain is that the American people are fed up with this unnecessary struggle. There are definitely no simple solutions to how we can pick up the pieces of what was once a prospering industry. The housing industry like many others, has hit rock bottom.
Our only hope seems to be that our new Presidential administration will help the American people rebuild our economy as well as our relationships with foreign countries and investors. The need to repair these relationships is apparent in order to strengthen not only our country’s economy but the global economy as well. Without foreign trade, our country will surely become one known for its long bread lines and severe poverty stricken people. In this day and age it is hard to wrap your mind around the fact that there are still so many underdeveloped countries. It would be a terrible shame to see a country once so powerful become amongst the weakest. Change is definitely our only hope and the only cure for this crisis. The question is, how long will it take for this change to come?
Reference(s)
Kalainesan, L., and Hoteit, T. “U.S. Economy 2006-2007 Forecast and Housing Market”. University of Dallas. (2006). Retrieved February 5, 2009.
Levine, M.L. “Budget Deficit, Trade Deficit, Savings Deficit and Monetary Policy Deficit: “Are We Ok?”. Real Estate Issues. (2005). Retrieved February 5, 2009. www.allbusiness.com
Lipsky, J. “The Global Economy and Financial Crisis”. International Monetary Fund. (2008). Retrieved December 11, 2008.
Povich, E. “Housing Industry Asks For Help With Hurricane Recovery”. Congress Daily. (2005). Retrieved December 17, 2008.
Schnare, A.B. “Income trends and the housing market-Special Issue: Earnings Inequality-Panel Discussion”. New England Economic Review. (1996). Retrieved December 30, 2008.
http://findarticles.com
“Tax Compliance: Some Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Disaster Assistance Recipients Have Unpaid…”. General Accounting Office Reports and Testimony. (2008). Retrieved February 12, 2009). www.allbusiness.com/government
Waigel, T. “Economic challenges to housing finance”. Housing Financial International. (2000). Retrieved February 12, 2009. http://www.allbusiness.com
The Housing Industry and Federal Taxation
Written by: Kelly L. Hunter
It is now common knowledge that our country is in the midst of an economic crisis. The Housing Industry may be one of the hardest hit by our current economic struggles. Banks and lenders are going bottoms up at a very rapid pace; causing many American’s to lose their homes to foreclosure. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is an organization that may know better than any one, the harsh effects being felt by not only homeowners, but builders and contractors alike. “NAHB closely monitors new issues affecting housing, as well as long standing subjects like affordable housing and Smart Growth” (NAHB, 2009).
Interest deduction and the real estate tax deduction are areas of the federal tax code that are of great importance to homeowners. “The deductions promote home ownership and reduce tax liabilities for home-owning taxpayers” (Dietz, 2006). It has been said that itemizing taxpayers may lead to deductions on the state and local tax levels as well. All real estate and land taxes are levied on the consumer (homeowner) and not the producer (builder/contractor). Charlotte County, Florida, is located in the southwestern region of the state and currently we are ranked in the top five for having the highest unemployment rate throughout the entire state. If individuals do not have access to adequate paying jobs or in this case, have zero jobs to apply for, then how are they expected to pay their mortgages?
Supply and demand are tremendously affected by all of this and it is obvious to the eye when driving through the streets of Charlotte County. You can tell which houses have been foreclosed upon by how tall the grass is. Some houses, you can barely see in the windows and in the summer time that is a real hazard when it comes to mosquitoes. Sell-ability becomes a major issue and it is nearly impossible to sell a property when it is presented in this kind of condition.
According to the Herald Tribune (2009), a local newspaper, “Florida's growing foreclosure problems are wreaking havoc with the budgets of homeowner, condominium and community associations, according to a new survey by an industry trade group” (¶ 1). More homes than not sit empty and where jobs used to fill the pages of the classified section, hundreds of tax deed announcements have made themselves comfortable instead. Reports indicate that taxes will have to be raised in order to make up the losses felt on the local and state levels. Things are so rough economically now, the libraries cannot even afford to stay open more than four days a week. The Herald Tribune (2009) reports that “More than 60 percent of the nearly 500 associations surveyed said that banks and mortgage lenders holding title to foreclosed homes or units are not paying regular fees or other assessments” (¶ 3).
The equilibrium of price and quantity are widely affected because prices have gone down but people are still not investing in real estate. It seems that the American people have had a wake up call and the individuals with money no longer have faith in the market and the rest of us simply do not have the money to purchase a home. Prices in all other industries have sky rocketed due to the financial strain being experienced on all levels of corporate America which makes it close to impossible to afford to purchase anything, especially a home. “More than 40 percent said that foreclosed homes or units have been vacant for more than six months, with one in five saying vacancies have lasted more than a year, reported CALL, which represents 4,000 associations and cooperatives” (Herald Tribune, 2009, ¶ 4).
Florida is extremely susceptible to several tropical storms each year and in some cases, hurricanes have been known to make landfall during Hurricane Season which spans from June through November. According to David Muller, CALL’s co-executive director, “As the 2008 storm season approaches, strains on many community association budgets from the downward-spiraling mortgage foreclosure crisis could leave many communities vulnerable and ill-prepared to cover storm damage costs and rising insurance rates in the coming months” (Herald Tribune, 2009). In Charlotte County alone, more than 1,800 homes were foreclosed during the month of March, 2008. Those numbers are astonishing and reality that will continue to get worse over the next few years unless something is done and even then it still may been too late.
In conclusion, taxation on any level, whether it be local, state, or federal is necessary in order to help pay for certain things within our communities. However, a rise in property taxes and other real estate related taxes has caused many individuals to panic during these tough economic times. Yeline Golin, another CALL co-executive, states that “The Governor's HOPE task force and Florida state legislators need to address in particular the growing number of vacant mortgage-foreclosed units and homes and declining revenue collection that undermines the ability to maintain the health and general welfare of millions of Florida community association residents statewide” (Herald Tribune, 2009). The real task is finding a solution to this growing economic problem.
Reference(s)
Dietz, R., Ph.D. “Local Use of the Mortgage Interest and the Real Estate Tax Deductions”. HousingEconomics.Com. (2006). www.nahb.org. Retrieved January 8, 2009.
“Foreclosures cause woes for Property Appraiser”. The Herald Tribune. (2009). http://www.ccapraiser.com/record.asp. Retrieved January 10, 2009.
The National Association of Home Builders. NAHB. (2009). www.nahb.org. Retrieved January 8, 2009.
It is now common knowledge that our country is in the midst of an economic crisis. The Housing Industry may be one of the hardest hit by our current economic struggles. Banks and lenders are going bottoms up at a very rapid pace; causing many American’s to lose their homes to foreclosure. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is an organization that may know better than any one, the harsh effects being felt by not only homeowners, but builders and contractors alike. “NAHB closely monitors new issues affecting housing, as well as long standing subjects like affordable housing and Smart Growth” (NAHB, 2009).
Interest deduction and the real estate tax deduction are areas of the federal tax code that are of great importance to homeowners. “The deductions promote home ownership and reduce tax liabilities for home-owning taxpayers” (Dietz, 2006). It has been said that itemizing taxpayers may lead to deductions on the state and local tax levels as well. All real estate and land taxes are levied on the consumer (homeowner) and not the producer (builder/contractor). Charlotte County, Florida, is located in the southwestern region of the state and currently we are ranked in the top five for having the highest unemployment rate throughout the entire state. If individuals do not have access to adequate paying jobs or in this case, have zero jobs to apply for, then how are they expected to pay their mortgages?
Supply and demand are tremendously affected by all of this and it is obvious to the eye when driving through the streets of Charlotte County. You can tell which houses have been foreclosed upon by how tall the grass is. Some houses, you can barely see in the windows and in the summer time that is a real hazard when it comes to mosquitoes. Sell-ability becomes a major issue and it is nearly impossible to sell a property when it is presented in this kind of condition.
According to the Herald Tribune (2009), a local newspaper, “Florida's growing foreclosure problems are wreaking havoc with the budgets of homeowner, condominium and community associations, according to a new survey by an industry trade group” (¶ 1). More homes than not sit empty and where jobs used to fill the pages of the classified section, hundreds of tax deed announcements have made themselves comfortable instead. Reports indicate that taxes will have to be raised in order to make up the losses felt on the local and state levels. Things are so rough economically now, the libraries cannot even afford to stay open more than four days a week. The Herald Tribune (2009) reports that “More than 60 percent of the nearly 500 associations surveyed said that banks and mortgage lenders holding title to foreclosed homes or units are not paying regular fees or other assessments” (¶ 3).
The equilibrium of price and quantity are widely affected because prices have gone down but people are still not investing in real estate. It seems that the American people have had a wake up call and the individuals with money no longer have faith in the market and the rest of us simply do not have the money to purchase a home. Prices in all other industries have sky rocketed due to the financial strain being experienced on all levels of corporate America which makes it close to impossible to afford to purchase anything, especially a home. “More than 40 percent said that foreclosed homes or units have been vacant for more than six months, with one in five saying vacancies have lasted more than a year, reported CALL, which represents 4,000 associations and cooperatives” (Herald Tribune, 2009, ¶ 4).
Florida is extremely susceptible to several tropical storms each year and in some cases, hurricanes have been known to make landfall during Hurricane Season which spans from June through November. According to David Muller, CALL’s co-executive director, “As the 2008 storm season approaches, strains on many community association budgets from the downward-spiraling mortgage foreclosure crisis could leave many communities vulnerable and ill-prepared to cover storm damage costs and rising insurance rates in the coming months” (Herald Tribune, 2009). In Charlotte County alone, more than 1,800 homes were foreclosed during the month of March, 2008. Those numbers are astonishing and reality that will continue to get worse over the next few years unless something is done and even then it still may been too late.
In conclusion, taxation on any level, whether it be local, state, or federal is necessary in order to help pay for certain things within our communities. However, a rise in property taxes and other real estate related taxes has caused many individuals to panic during these tough economic times. Yeline Golin, another CALL co-executive, states that “The Governor's HOPE task force and Florida state legislators need to address in particular the growing number of vacant mortgage-foreclosed units and homes and declining revenue collection that undermines the ability to maintain the health and general welfare of millions of Florida community association residents statewide” (Herald Tribune, 2009). The real task is finding a solution to this growing economic problem.
Reference(s)
Dietz, R., Ph.D. “Local Use of the Mortgage Interest and the Real Estate Tax Deductions”. HousingEconomics.Com. (2006). www.nahb.org. Retrieved January 8, 2009.
“Foreclosures cause woes for Property Appraiser”. The Herald Tribune. (2009). http://www.ccapraiser.com/record.asp. Retrieved January 10, 2009.
The National Association of Home Builders. NAHB. (2009). www.nahb.org. Retrieved January 8, 2009.
Suicide in the United States
Written by: Kelly L. Hunter
The leading cause of suicide in the United States is attributed to several different risk factors according to researchers. Although the majority of society would like to believe that inequality does not exist in our country, quite the opposite is said to be true. It has been said that suicide rates are higher in cities with larger populations due to the constant interchanging of people, residency, and frequent job change (McCall, Tittle, 2007). Gender, race, ethnicity, age, and social ranking also play a major roll in the cause of suicide (Maciouis, 2006).
The methods used by McCall and Tittle in this study of population size and urbanization in the United States were interpretive and critical, showing the interaction of society and inequality that exists within our diverse culture. Maciouis (2006) states that, “The reality people experience is variable and changing” (p. 14). Maciouis (2006) also goes on to say that “Social inequality causes conflict that leads to social change” (p. 14). This research shows that society and individuals need a consistent balance in order to properly function on a stable level.
With population size being a factor you would think that states like California and New York would have a high rate of reported suicides. However, these two states rank very low on this scale; with states like Arizona, New Mexico, Arkansas, and Wyoming ranking higher (Maciouis, 2006). According to research, the mid-west accounts for most of the countries suicide rates (Maciouis, 2006).
“Results indicate that an association between population and suicide is atypical and even when observed is highly sensitive to methodological specifications” says McCall and Tittle (2006) (¶1). With this being said, it is important for us to remember that we all need one another to survive and maybe getting to know our neighbors is long overdue.
Reference List
Maciouis, J.J. “Society: The Basics, Eighth Edition”. Prentice-Hall. (2006) p. 1-34.
McCall, P.L., Tittle, C.R. “Population Size and Suicide in U.S. Cities: A Static Dynamic Exploration”. Suicide and Life Threatening Behavior. (2007) Vol. 37. Issue 5. p. 553
The leading cause of suicide in the United States is attributed to several different risk factors according to researchers. Although the majority of society would like to believe that inequality does not exist in our country, quite the opposite is said to be true. It has been said that suicide rates are higher in cities with larger populations due to the constant interchanging of people, residency, and frequent job change (McCall, Tittle, 2007). Gender, race, ethnicity, age, and social ranking also play a major roll in the cause of suicide (Maciouis, 2006).
The methods used by McCall and Tittle in this study of population size and urbanization in the United States were interpretive and critical, showing the interaction of society and inequality that exists within our diverse culture. Maciouis (2006) states that, “The reality people experience is variable and changing” (p. 14). Maciouis (2006) also goes on to say that “Social inequality causes conflict that leads to social change” (p. 14). This research shows that society and individuals need a consistent balance in order to properly function on a stable level.
With population size being a factor you would think that states like California and New York would have a high rate of reported suicides. However, these two states rank very low on this scale; with states like Arizona, New Mexico, Arkansas, and Wyoming ranking higher (Maciouis, 2006). According to research, the mid-west accounts for most of the countries suicide rates (Maciouis, 2006).
“Results indicate that an association between population and suicide is atypical and even when observed is highly sensitive to methodological specifications” says McCall and Tittle (2006) (¶1). With this being said, it is important for us to remember that we all need one another to survive and maybe getting to know our neighbors is long overdue.
Reference List
Maciouis, J.J. “Society: The Basics, Eighth Edition”. Prentice-Hall. (2006) p. 1-34.
McCall, P.L., Tittle, C.R. “Population Size and Suicide in U.S. Cities: A Static Dynamic Exploration”. Suicide and Life Threatening Behavior. (2007) Vol. 37. Issue 5. p. 553
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