In an effort to quell the rate ofhome foreclosures in the TwinCities, St. Paul Mayor ChrisColeman hosted a pressconference with MinneapolisCity Council President BarbaraJohnson (Ward 4) and WellsFargo Minnesota CEO JonCampbell to present theHomeownership Preservationand Neighborhood StabilizationProject.

The project, which will beginin 2010, will offer Twin Citieshomeowners and potentialhomeowners new resourcesalong with efforts of threeexisting programs includingInvest Saint Paul, theMinneapolis ForeclosureRecovery Plan and Wells Fargo’snational Leading the Way Home.Wells Fargo has agreed to co-

host a series of personalforeclosure prevention sessionsincluding loan modificationmeetings, financial literacy andhomebuyers workshops andaffordable home tours for thetwin cities.

Coleman said St. Paul hasdone everything in its power touse all tools to combat the effectsof the mortgage crisis. This willnow include partnering withindustry mortgage lenders WellsFargo to keep families in theirhomes he said.

“By working with the city tohelp residents avoid foreclosureand host homeowner workshopsfor employees of Saint Paulcompanies, Wells Fargo ismaking a commitment to help usbring stability to ourneighborhoods,” Colemanadded.

Some neighborhoods that fallunder the Invest Saint Paulheading include portions of

Dayton’s Bluff, Payne-Phalen,the North End and Thomas Dale(Frogtown).

In 2009 Minneapolis’ 4th and5th wards were the hardest hit by

foreclosures. “Minneapoliscontinues to provide foreclosureprevention assistance and topursue aggressive propertypurchase and rehabilitation

strategies to strengthenhomeownership and restorehealthy housing markets in our

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Foreclosure solutions

8PAGE

The gift ofgiving this season

Dedicated to President ObamaFirst lady Michelle ObamaSasha & Malia Obama

My child shall not be left behind

As I embark on this great task,There are many questions that willbe asked.When will you stop the war?How will you feed the poor?Can you help me save my home?Why is it so hard to get a loan?

Will you bail out all the banks?Can you bring down the price of

gas?Will you free all the prisoners?Can you do it with class?

Save GM & Chrysler?Endangered species at the zoo?Lower unemployment rates?Save social security too?

Find and fund a cure for AIDS,Help our children keep up theirgrades,Lower the cost of qualityhealthcare,And please Mr. President – Makeall the laws fair!

This is only the beginningOf all the battles you will be

Tiger woodsWe should wish the best

11PAGE

“Brother West”Interview

5PAGE

A President’s HOPEMy child shall not be left behindBy Brenda ColstonContributing Writer

WASHINGTON (NNPA) – AfricanAmerican joblessness – nearlytwice the national rate - is quicklybecoming the first showdownbetween Black leaders and thenation’s first Black president asnational Black and civil rightsleaders raise their voices telling theObama Administration it’s time toend the jobs crisis in the Blackcommunity.

“We’re sending a strongmessage to the president andCongress that we need to step up.We need immediate jobs – notsome time six, eight and 10 monthsdown the road,” National UrbanLeague President Marc Morial saidin an interview with the NNPANews Service. “African Americanleaders are not just saying dosomething. We’re offeringsolutions.”

Morial has sent a letter to theObama Administration andCongressional Leaders outliningspecific recommendations for jobcreation in the wake of nationalunemployment numbers that grewinto double digits – 10. 2 percent -

in October. In his letter, datedNovember 24, Morial reminds theAdministration that the Blackcommunity has suffered doubledigit jobless rates for well morethan a year.

“While I applaud theAdministration for publiclyacknowledging the gravity of ournation’s employment situation, Iwould add that double-digitunemployment has been a realityfor communities of color since last

summer – for African Americanssince August, 2008, and for Latinossince February, 2009,” he writes.“As President and CEO of theNational Urban League, thenation’s oldest and largestcommunity-based movementdevoted to empowering AfricanAmericans to enter the economicand social mainstream, I havefirsthand knowledge of the

By Hazel Trice Edney NNPA Editor-in-Chief

Advocates challenge White Houseresponse to Black unemployment

5POEM TURN TO

WASHINGTON – The U.S.Department of the Treasury andDepartment of Housing andUrban Development (HUD) lastweek kicked off a nationwidecampaign to help borrowerswho are currently in the trialphase of their modifiedmortgages under the ObamaAdministration’s HomeAffordable Modification

Program (HAMP) convert topermanent modifications. Themodification program, whichhas helped over 650,000borrowers, is part of theAdministration’s broadercommitment to stabilizehousing markets and to providerelief to struggling homeowners

Mortgage modifications expand relief, stabilize housing markets

The First Lady and daughters Malia (left) and Sasha are presented with the Official White HouseChristmas Tree, which this year comes from Shepherdstown, West Virginia. The 18 ½ ft Douglas-fir

arrives on the traditional horse drawn carriage to the North Portico. The tree will be on display inthe Blue Room throughout the holiday season.

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAIDMINNEAPOLIS MNPERMIT NO. 32468

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

9JOBLESSNESS TURN TO

Preparing foran interview is tricky

2PAGE

4PAGE

Mississippigovernor’s plan tomerge three HBCUscome under fire

3MORTGAGE TURN TO

Ben Jealous, NAACPMarc Morial, NUL

By Stacey TaylorContributing Writer

BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMAOrchestra Hall, Wednesday, December 16, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $22 to $45, (612) 371-5656 or visit minnesotaorchestra.org

President Barack Obama

4FORECLOSURE TURN TO

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman Barbara Johnson (Ward 4) Jon Campbell, CEO, WellsFargo Bank Minnesota

Prescription drug costs can takea double toll on retirees, who

often live on fixed incomes andare also likely to need more –and more costly – medicationsas they get older. That’s why thegovernment created Medicare

Part D, a voluntary programthat subsidizes prescriptiondrugs for Medicare recipients.

If you’re eligible forMedicare, be aware that the six-week annual Part D openenrollment period for 2010takes place from November 15through December 31, 2009.Except in a few circumstances,if you miss that window you’llneed to remain in your currentplan until 2011.

Here are a few details onMedicare Part D:Eligibility. If you’re 65 or olderor have certain qualifyingdisabilities, you are eligible toparticipate in Medicare. (Go towww.medicare.gov foreligibility information.) To signup for Medicare Part D youmust also be enrolled in Part A(hospitalization), and/or Part B(doctor visits and outpatientservices). Under Part C, peopleenroll in a private Medicareplan that usually provideslimited prescription drugcoverage – be sure to checkbefore joining Part D.

Signing up. Even if youthink you don’t currently need

prescription drug coverage,remember you may face a latepenalty that grows monthly ifyou don’t sign up within yourinitial enrollment period –typically the three monthsbefore and after the month youturn 65.

Alternate coverage. If youalready have prescription drugcoverage through an employeror union plan and it is

considered “creditable” (equalor better coverage than Part D),you can stay in that planwithout incurring a late penaltyfor later joining Part D. Askyour current provider if theirplan is considered creditable; ifso, weigh its costs and featurescarefully before switching toPart D – it may be a betterbargain.

Choosing a plan. Dozens of

Part D plans exist with widelyvarying costs, coverage andconvenience.

When comparing plans: First go to www.medicare.govand click on “Prescription DrugPlan,” where you’ll find helpfulinformation on how the planworks and factors to considerwhen choosing a plan.

Use the interactive Drug

Plan Finder to compare featuresof plans available in your area.(You can also do this by phoneat 1-800-633-4227.)

Each plan has a“formulary,” which is a list ofdrugs covered at varyingcopayment amounts.Formularies vary widely andcan change from year to year, soit’s important to compare plansannually.

Enter all your medicationsand dosages into the Finder forcomparison. You may not find aplan that covers all yourmedications, but aim for onethat at least covers the mostexpensive drugs. Also, note thatthey may cover genericversions, when available.

Make sure the plans includeyour preferred pharmacies.

Once you’ve entered yourinformation into the Drug PlanFinder, you can compare plansside-by-side in terms of overallcost, deductible and copaymentamounts, user ratings, and otherfactors.

In addition to the Medicaresite, another good resource isAARP (www.aarp.org/medicare).Also, your doctor or pharmacistmay be able to help you choosethe most cost-effective plan foryour situation.

Jason Alderman directs Visa’sfinancial education programs.Sign up for his free monthly e-Newsletter at www.practicalmoneyskills.com/newsletter.

Annual Medicare Part D open enrollment period ends December 31

Preparing for an interview is tricky.It’s hard to know which questionsto expect, and then how best toanswer them. Generally, interviewquestions fall into three categories:Who are you? What have youdone? And What can you do for

us?Who are you? questions are

the toughest. Say your buddy asks,“If your wife were here and I askedher what your worst quality is,what would she say?” You mightrespond with a laugh and perhaps aquip or anecdote. In an interview,should you respond in the sameway? Yes, say Human Resourcesprofessionals. While fulldisclosure is not required, sincerityis. Hiring managers can see rightthrough a rehearsed response.Know how you will discuss yourweaknesses and strengths, and behonest when you describe them.

Another typical Who-are-youquestion is, “Tell me a little aboutyourself.” Notice, they said, “a

little.” Keep it brief. This is an icebreaker, and sometimes a dealbreaker. Plan comments along avery general timeline: tell whereyou got your training, mention thecompanies where you’ve worked,and then finish with a line aboutwhy you are currently looking forwork. If the interviewer wants toknow whether you have kids, he orshe will ask. And by the way,they’re not allowed to ask.

This leads to the What haveyou done? interview questions.Avoid the temptation to ramble.Explain past positions andresponsibilities, and let theinterviewers ask more pointedquestions if they need to. If youhave had a chance to study the job

description, emphasize pastpositions which lead logically tothis one.

Finally, “What can you do forus?” This question may bedisguised as, “What interests youabout this position?” or, “Whywould you like to work here?”Generally, if you’re ever stumpedfor an answer to an interviewquestion, fall back on your answerto this underlying question. Whatvalue do you bring to this position?

If the position on the table isnew or with a start-up company,have you had entrepreneurialexperiences? If the positionrequires creativity, attention todetail or management experience,can you deliver? Study the

company’s website in advance, soyou will know what needs they arehoping to address. Answeringevery question candidly anddirectly will be your best route to asuccessful next career move.

Julie Desmond is Director ofCareer Planning Resources forHelp Wanted! Workshop. Sendyour career planning questions tojulie@insightnews.com.

Page 2 • December 7 - December 13, 2009 • Insight News http://insightnews.com

BUSINESSCandid, direct answers to interview questions best route to success

By Julie Desmondjulie@insightnews.com

Planyour

career

careerbuilder.typepad.com

By Jason Alderman

In addition to the Medicare site, another goodresource is AARP (www.aarp.org/medicare).

Also, your doctor or pharmacist may be able tohelp you choose the most cost-effective plan

for your situation.

and is a primary focus offinancial stability effortsmoving forward. Roughly375,000 of the borrowers whohave begun trial modificationssince the start of the programare scheduled to convert topermanent modifications by theend of the year. Through theefforts being announced today,Treasury and HUD willimplement new outreach toolsand borrower resources to helpconvert as many trialmodifications as possible topermanent ones.

“We are encouraged by thepace at which trialmodifications are now beingmade to provide immediatesavings to strugglinghomeowners,” said the newChief of Treasury’sHomeownership PreservationOffice (HPO), Phyllis Caldwell.“We now must refocus ourefforts on the conversion phaseto ensure that borrowers andservicers know what theirresponsibilities are inconverting trial modificationsto permanent ones.” In her newrole, Caldwell will lead HPO’sconversion drive efforts.

“Encouraging borrowers tomove through the process ofconverting trial modificationsto permanent modificationsremains a top priority forHUD,” said HUD AssistantSecretary for Housing and FHACommissioner David Stevens.“As a part of our continuingefforts to improve the executionof the HAMP program, HUD iscommitted to working withservicers, borrowers, housingcounselors and others dedicatedto homeownership preservationto improve the transition ofdistressed homeowners intoaffordable and sustainablemortgages.”

With tens of thousands oftrial modifications being madeeach week, the Administrationis now working to ensure thateligible borrowers have the

information and the assistanceneeded to move from the trial tothe permanent modificationphase. (All mortgagemodifications begin with a trialphase to allow borrowers tosubmit the necessarydocumentation and determinewhether the modified monthlypayment is sustainable forthem.) As the first round ofmodifications convert from thetrial to permanent phase, theAdministration has identifiedseveral strategies for addressingthe challenges that borrowersconfront in receiving permanentmodifications.

In addition to the conversiondrive that kicked off last week,the Obama Administration hadalready taken several steps tomake the transition from trial topermanent modification easierand more transparent by:

Extending the period fortrial modifications started on orbefore September 1st to givehomeowners more time tosubmit required information;

Streamlining the applicationprocess to minimize paperworkand simplify the submissionprocess; meeting regularly withservicers to identify necessaryimprovement to borrower

outreach and responsiveness; Developing operational metricsto hold servicers accountablefor their performance, whichwill soon be reported publicly; Enhancing borrower resourceson theMakingHomeAffordable.govwebsite and the Homeowner’sHOPETM Hotline (888-995-HOPE) to provide direct accessto tools and housing counselors.

The Mortgage ModificationConversion Drive will includethe following:

• Servicer Accountability. As

part of the Administration’songoing efforts to holdservicers accountable for theircommitment to the program andresponsibility to borrowers,additional measures will beadded.

• Web tools for borrowers.Because the documentsubmission process can be achallenge for many borrowers,the Administration has creatednew resources onwww.MakingHomeAffordable.govto simplify and streamline thisstep.

• Engagement of state, localand community stakeholders.Through the conversion drive,the Administration is engagingall levels of government - state,local and county – to bothincrease awareness of theprogram and expand theresources available toborrowers as they navigate themodification process.

More information about theObama Administration’smortgage modification programcan be found atwww.MakingHomeAffordable.gov.

http://insightnews.com Insight News • December 7 - December 13, 2009 • Page 3

INSIGHT NEWS

www.insightnews.com

Insight News is publishedweekly, every Monday byMcFarlane Media Interests.

Editor-In-ChiefAl McFarlane

CFOAdrianne Hamilton-Butler

PublisherBatala-Ra McFarlane

Associate Editor & AssociatePublisherB.P. Ford

Vice President of Sales & MarketingSelene White

Director of Content &ProductionPatricia Weaver

Sr. Content & ProductionCoordinatorElliot Stewart-Franzen

Web Design & ContentAssociateBen Williams

Distribution/FacilitiesManagerJamal Mohamed

ReceptionistLue B. Lampley

Contributing WritersBrenda ColstonJulie DesmondMarcia HumphreyAlaina L. LewisRashida McKenzieRyan T. ScottStacey Taylor

PhotographySuluki FardanTobechi Tobechukwu

Contact Us:Insight News, Inc.Marcus Garvey House1815 Bryant Ave. N.MinneAPOlis., MN 55411Ph.: (612) 588-1313Fax: (612) 588-2031Member: MinnesotaMulticultural MediaConsortium (MMMC) MidwestBlack Publishers Coalition,Inc. (MBPCI) NationalNewspaper PublishersAssociation (NNPA)

Postmaster: Send addresschanges to McFarlane MediaInterests, Marcus GarveyHouse 1815 Bryant AvenueNorth, Minneapolis,Minnesota, 55411.

MortgageFrom 1

neighborhoods most impacted byforeclosure,” Johnson said.

Campbell said Wells Fargodecided to co-host and co-brandbecause they realized thatreaching out to families andindividuals struggling withmortgages can be a “veryemotional” process.

“Unfortunately, many timesbecause of fear, anger orfrustration we do not get achance to speak as directly tothose homeowners as we’d like.Many borrowers are not

comfortable talking with lendersdirectly,” Campbell said. “Wehope that the cities andorganizations’ involvement will

encourage participation for thosein trouble —to personally sitdown and work withhomeowners struggling is acritical step.”

According to Campbell thethree key components of the

project include prevention offoreclosures; quick sale offoreclosed homes and increasedopportunities for first-time

homebuyers to get mortgages.Wells Fargo created a grant of$125,000 dollars available forMinneapolis and St. Paul to helpwith down payment assistancefor first-time homebuyers.

Campbell said the first goal

is to work out modifications tohelp those in trouble remain intheir homes. Wells Fargo’sprogram would further thefederal mortgage program calledHome AffordabilityModification Program (HAMP)that the government set intomotion last March.

In March 2009, the ObamaAdministration publisheddetailed program guidelines forthe Making Home Affordable(MHA) Program. Mortgageservicers were authorized tobegin modifications under theplan immediately. With theassistance of several governmentagencies, GSEs, and servicers -this effort involved thedevelopment and refinement ofservicer guidelines, modificationdocuments, and data collectionand modeling tools.

“We are putting massiveefforts to find modificationsolutions to keep people in theirhomes,” Campbell said. “We canuse the government HAMP aswell as Wells Fargo proprietarymodification programs. Ifsomeone does not qualify for theHAMP, Wells Fargo has its ownprogram which keeps even morethan the HAMP program.”

According to Campbell thereis a misconception that thebanking industry and WellsFargo have been slow to work onsolutions in this mortgage crisis.One of the struggles of theindustry was determining how todeal modifications since theHAMP program was not readyuntil last spring.

“We have been under waywith modifications for sometime,” Campbell added. “We hadto have some clarity andagreement with the federalprogram.”

Campbell pointed out themodification process requires alot of information includingdocuments, verifications ofhardship and ability to repay.Sixteen hundred mortgages aremodified daily across thecountry and Wells Fargo hasincreased and trained 14,000thousand team members workingfull time on modifications forthis year.

“In the Twin Cities for everyone customer that has gone intoforeclosure Wells has helpedthree others keep their homethrough alternative solutions,”Campbell said. “Even one is toomany, but it starts to give a sensethat the work being done aroundforeclosure prevention is startingto work. If Wells Fargo has toforeclose on a home we can helpget the home into the hands ofanother owner quickly for thepurpose of rehabilitation andsustainable ownership.”

Campbell acknowledges thatthe current economic situationmay seem risky for first-timehomebuyers, but the currentforeclosure conditions haveproduced a “windfall” for first-time homebuyers.

“This is a wonderful time forfirst-time homebuyers. Interestrates are at a historic low; houseprices are low and first-timehomebuyers [can take advantageof] tax credits. It is our hope thatthe economy will stabilize andunemployment will begin todecline,” Campbell added. “Wedon’t want to bet against them orthe economy.”

Special to the NNPA from GIN

(GIN) – Charges were unsealedlast week against eight defendantsaccused of recruiting Somali-American youth to fight in theirhomeland for an Islamist militantgroup.

The defendants – peers andelders - reportedly recruited theyouth in Minneapolis mosques to

fight for al-Shabaab, an insurgentgroup that controls much ofsouthern and central Somalia.

Somali youths in the U.S.,often extremely poor and moreisolated from society as a whole,have been an easy target forradicalization. Minnesota is thehome to an estimated 60,000Somalis.

Even among the less militant

in this country, there is broadopposition to the regime that wasput in place after Ethiopia, backedby the United States, invaded in2006 and overthrew an Islamiccoalition.

The so-called transitionalgovernment is lead by PresidentSharif Sheikh Ahmed who rarelyleaves Villa Somalia, a compoundprotected by Ugandan troops

largely responsible for proppingup his government.

Meanwhile, local activistOmar Jamal, who led the SomaliJustice Advocacy Center since2001, has moved to New York tobecome first secretary at thePermanent Mission of the SomaliRepublic to the United Nations.

JACKSON, MS (NNPA) - Dozensof students, members of theNAACP, alumni and concernedconstituents gathered for a rally atthe Mississippi State Capitol lastFriday to protest Gov. HaleyBarbour’s proposal to mergeMississippi’s three historicallyBlack universities.

Barbour has proposed mergingMississippi Valley StateUniversity and Alcorn State intoJackson State University.Outraged, students from each ofthe respective universitiesgathered on the steps of the StateCapitol to let their voices beheard.

“Education is an economicequalizer,” said Othor Cain,Jackson State University NAACPadviser. “If the governor is seriousabout fiscal responsibility, he

should understand that studentsneed a quality education in orderto rise out of poverty.”A crowd of students attended thestate College Board meeting lastThursday expecting a discussionabout the proposal, but there wasnone. Barbour also has said hewants to consolidate MississippiUniversity for Women withMississippi State. Under his plan,no campuses would close. Thegovernor said the restructuringcould save the state $35 millionoff a nearly $5.5 billion budget.The proposed change would leaveMississippi with five publicuniversities rather than the currenteight.

Barbour’s consolidation

proposal would have to beapproved by lawmakers. It is partof his suggested budget for thefiscal year that begins next July 1.Some Alcorn State Universityalumni called the governor’srecommendation to merge thecollege with Jackson StateUniversity devastating.

Lawmakers would have toapprove the governor’s plan tomerge the schools before ithappens. The governor said theplan may not be popular, but it’snecessary to help balance the 2011budget as revenues continue tofall. “It would be like stripping usof part of our culture and ourheritage and our camaraderie,”said Alcorn graduate John Smith.

The governor’s office said it’s tooearly to say if the school’s nameswill change, but they will all berun by Jackson State’s president.Also the sports teams at Alcornand Mississippi Valley would bedisbanded with JSU’s athleticprogram remaining.

Games such as this weekend’smuch anticipated Capital CityClassic football game betweenJackson State and Alcorn couldend if the schools were to merge.Opponents of the merger havecreated a website that has updatesand an online petition.

For more information visitwww.savemshbcus.org

Page 4 • December 7 - December 13, 2009 • Insight News http://insightnews.com

EDUCATIONMississippi governor’s plan to merge three HBCUs comes under fire By Dominique M. GrantSpecial to the NNPA fromthe Mississippi Link

www.mspress.orgGov. Haley Barbour

Eight charged with recruiting fighters for Somalia

ForeclosureFrom 1

Sixteen hundred mortgages are modifieddaily across the country and Wells Fargo

has increased and trained 14,000thousand team members working full time

on modifications for this year.

winning.But at the end of every day,Before you close your eyes to pray

Hear their voicesSo sweet and dear“Daddy, can you come in here?”

Let’s go to the park!Let’s play with the dog!Are you all doneWith your daily log?

We want to go shopping!Let’s ride our bikes!Tell mommy to come,We’ll ride as long as she likes.

So at the end of the dayWhat’s on the Presidents mind?Taking care of Sasha and Malia,His children will not be leftbehind.

“My child will not be left behind”Is what God said of you!As you sailed through theprimariesThinking what more can I do?

You ran a great race!You finished the course!You made it through inauguration,

Acknowledging God as yoursource.

As you lead this great country,Remember why God gave us you –He could trust you “not to leave us

behind “–To that great honor,We know you will be true!

Prayerfully Submitted Feb. 18,2009.

One of America’s mostprovocative public intellectuals,Dr. Cornel Ronald West has been achampion for racial justice sincechildhood. His writing, speaking,and teaching weave together thetraditions of the Black BaptistChurch, progressive politics, andjazz.

Though currently the Class of1943 Professor at PrincetonUniversity, West first burst onto thenational scene in 1993 upon thepublication of his best seller, RaceMatters, a searing analysis ofracism in American democracy. Inhis long-awaited autobiography,BROTHER WEST: Living andLoving Out Loud, he now offers acompelling exploration of his heartbehind the human mind.

Here, he answers questionsfrom readers and talks about thebook which explores such themesas Faith, Family, Philosophy, Loveand Service.

Kam Williams: Hi, Dr. West, nicespeaking with you again. I lovedyour autobiography. But do youknow how hard it was for me totrack you down for anotherinterview? Cornell West: I appreciate yourdeep loyalty and commitment.

KW: Why did you decide to writeyour memoirs? CW: Tavis Smiley, my dearbrother, raised the question of mywriting one when the prostatecancer hit eight years ago. Ithought and thought about it anddecided maybe I could tell mystory to help somebody, so theycould see how the power of loveand education in my life hadtransformed me from a gangsterwith raw rage.

KW: Where did that thug you referto in the book as “Little Ronnie”come from, and how did you getpast that phase?CW: I was just mad, a born rebel.I had loving parents, a loving

church and loving friends, yet Iwas mad, and I neededconstructive venues to express thatrage. I was able to find them owingto the power of love and education.So, it became a righteousindignation against injustice. Itbecame a holy anger againstunfairness. And I’ve had it eversince.

KW: The Rev. Florine Thompsonasks, where should we look toreclaim the prophetic voiceregarding the war in Afghanistan?Should the Obama administrationsend thousands of more troopsthere?CW: No, no! Obama can’t get theNobel Peace Prize and be a warPresident. He’s got to be able topromote peace in an international,multilateral way. We don’t need anAmerican occupation; we don’tneed more American troops there.If he does send more, then we’vegot to take to the streets.

KW: Thompson also asks, withthe rise in Black-on-Black teencrime, what should the religiouscommunity be doing differently toaddress this issue? Is “TheChurch” merely irrelevant in thelives of our youth? Many have saidthat our youth have little or noregard for God, church or religionsince prayer was taken out ofpublic schools.CW: No, I don’t think takingprayer out of schools was the causeof young people being suspiciousof religion. That goes back a longway. It has more to do with the factthat older folk did not exemplify

the kind of love and justice that theyoung people would like to see.Therefore, they saw old people ashypocrites more tied to Church-ianity than Christianity. So, a lot ofit has to do with the failings of theolder generation which led to theyounger generation’s going off tolook for alternatives.

Unfortunately, a lot of timesthey turned to ugly things like gunsand drugs, given the easy access toguns because of lax gun controllaws, and to drugs because thegovernment can’t keep them out ofthe country. In addition, the youthdon’t have too many alternatives tothe decrepit housing anddisgraceful school systems whichprovide very little opportunities forthose in the urban ‘hoods. So, Ithink the whole issue of youngpeople and churches has muchmore to do with social forces thanit does with just not having prayerin schools.

KW: How do we save our youngmen, then? Where are the Blackmale role models?CW: There’s only one way to saveyoung Black people, and that’s tolove ‘em, love ‘em, love ‘em, carefor ‘em, attend to them, embracethem, target them, concentrate onthem, and make them feel as ifthey’re somebody, because that’sthe only way they get self-respectand self-confidence, which are thetwo prerequisites for flowering andflourishing in life.

KW: The good Reverend has aquestion about healthcare: Whatshould the church be doing to

foster healthcare reform?CW: Hmm… A lot of churchesneed to bear witness for the least ofour brethren… for the weak, forthe poor, for the orphaned, for thewidowed, for the children. And theonly way you get set on fire is yougotta be Born Again. You have toundergo fundamental awakeningand conversion andmetamorphosis.\

KW: Rev. Thompson asks aboutthe outcry of “You lie!” toPresident Obama by a RepublicanCongressman Joe Wilson. Was it aslip of the lip or confirmation thatrace matters?CW: Well, it certainly was an actof disrespect. The very act ofdisrespecting the President of theUnited States in that manner onnational television is a very seriousmatter.

KW: How would you sayPresident Obama is doing on ascale of 1 to 10?CW: It depends on which issueyou’re talking about. On ecologyand the environment, I would givehim a 7. On war, I’d give him a 3.

On the economy, a 2. In terms ofhis trying to sustain a newatmosphere and new ethos in thecountry and around the world, I’dgive him an 8. So, it goes up anddown, relative to each issue.

KW: Children’s book author IreneSmalls says, you recently launcheda spoken word or rap career. Howdoes that jibe with your academicpursuits?CW: Oh, it’s quite consistent,because I’m an educator. When Iwrite books, that’s textualeducation. When I do spokenword, that’s singing education.When I dance, it’s dancingeducation. All of it has to do withtrying to awaken people to becomemore courageous to bear witness tolove and justice in the world.

KW: Our mutual friend, IlaForster, who was at Princetonwhen you were there as a gradstudent, asks if you like how jazzpianist Robert Glasper recast oneof your musical pieces in aninaugural tribute. It included partsof speeches not only by you butalso by Obama and Dr. King.

CW: This is the first that I’mhearing about it. Tell Sister Ilathanks so much for letting meknow about it.

KW: Although Ila didn’t make itback to campus, she says she heardthat your speech at the recent Blackalumni reunion conference atPrinceton was excellent andunusually personal. CW: Oh, we had a wonderful time.

KW: Jimmy Bajan says he agreeswith you that we haven’t turned acorner just because we have aBlack president. He asks, what willit take to see a level playing field?With so many Blacks and whitesstill living in poverty in thiscountry and so many childrenwithout healthcare, how far are wefrom seeing an equitable societyrealized where there’s coverage foreveryone comparable to Europe?CW: I agree with Brother Jimmy.We certainly haven’t turned acorner. Not at all. And we’re a longway from there being a levelplaying field, just like we’re a long

AESTHETICS

Interview

By Kam Williams

http://insightnews.com Insight News • December 7 - December 13, 2009 • Page 5

Cornel West book explores faith,family, philosophy and service

www.peralta.cc.ca.usDr. Cornel Ronald West

PoemFrom 1

8WEST TURN TO

HEALTHPage 6 • December 7 - December 13, 2009 • Insight News http://insightnews.com

Open Arms of Minnesota hassuccessfully completed an $8.1million capital campaign for theconstruction of its new building

located at 2600 BloomingtonAvenue South in the PhillipsNeighborhood of Minneapolis.

The ambitious project

commenced in May 2007 in order toexpand Open Arms ability to servenutritious meals to more people whoare suffering from illness at no cost

to the client. Currently, Open Armsis on track to serve 310,000 meals for2009. With the new facility, thenon-profit will be able to double theannual meals it serves. Tours of thenew facility were held last week onWorld AIDS Day.

“We are so very grateful to havea wonderful new facility to serve thecommunity. I want to thank everydonor, volunteer, public official,

member of our staff and the buildingteam for helping Open Arms expandour mission to serve nutritious mealsto people suffering from illness whohave nowhere to turn,” said KevinWinge, Executive Director, OpenArms of Minnesota. “During theseharsh economic times, now morethan ever, it is vital to help as manypeople live independently as theyfight chronic and life threateningdiseases.”

The grand opening ceremony is

scheduled for Spring of 2010.

Brief history of Open Arms

Bill Rowe founded Open Arms in1986 to provide meals to people withHIV/AIDS. At the time, five peoplewere served.

Currently, Open Arms deliversmeals in the Greater Twin CitiesArea which includes Hennepin,

Ramsey, Anoka, Washington andDakota counties.

In 2005, the agency expanded itsmission to serve people with chronicdiseases including Breast Cancer,Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s andALS.

In 2008, over 259,000 meals to1100 clients and their dependentswere served in the Greater TwinCities Area by Open Arms – a 29%increase in service from 2007.

Open Arms has prepared and

delivered more than 1.5 millionmeals.

More than 1,400 volunteersprovide nearly 31,000 hours ofvolunteer support annually – that’sthe equivalent of 16 full-timeemployees.

89% of Open Arms’ annualbudget comes from privatedonations and 11% comes frompublic funding. The public support isa mix of state and federal money.The federal portion for Open Arms isfunded through the Ryan White CareAct.

The meals are nutritious,incorporate organic vegetables andfree-range meats, are planned tomatch the specific nutrition needs ofeach client, and are available fresh orfrozen. Open Arms is run by asmall staff and supported by 1,400volunteers who cook seven days aweek and deliver meals Monday –Friday.

For more information about OpenArms of Minnesota and its newbuilding, www.openarmsmn.org or(612) 872-1152.

Open Arms of MN raised $8.1 million for new Phillips neighborhood facility

Photo: Suluki FardanDean Dovolis, DJR Architecture Inc., LEED AP, Principal - CEO and Kevin Winge, Open Arms,

Executive Director

Photo: Suluki FardanTour of the new facility was held last week on World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, 2009.

The ambitious project commenced in May 2007 inorder to expand Open Arms ability to serve

nutritious meals to more people who are sufferingfrom illness at no cost to the client.

(NNPA) – Last week was avery busy week. Thanksgivingand Black Friday are justbehind us. And, now the officialbeginning of the Christmasseason, and— for the 33 millionpeople living with HIV/AIDSaround the world or the 25million families who have lost aloved one to HIV/AIDS—World AIDS day wascommemorated on December 1.

Some people wonder whatdoes Thanksgiving andChristmas have to do withAIDS. For me the three areinextricably connected.Thanksgiving is about beinggrateful and Christmas is aboutgiving. And HIV/AIDS isabout both.

Each year, when I sit downfor Thanksgiving dinner withmy family, as a person havinglived with HIV for 29 years

now, I’m thankful for a lot ofthings. I’m thankful that Ihave had the love and supportof family and friends and accessto proper medical care that havekept me alive all these years.I’m thankful that HIV today isdiagnosable, preventable, andtreatable.

Today, knowing your HIVstatus has never been easier.Free HIV tests are readilyavailable everywhere. Theyare painless and no moreneedles. The most common HIVtest today uses an oral swab.They’re easy, no more blood.They’re quick. New technologyallows you to get the resultsfrom an HIV test back in lessthan an hour. So an HIV testtoday is free, painless, easy,quick, and you get informationthat might save your life, I’mthankful about that.

HIV is completelypreventable. The primarymode of HIV transmission inthe United States is unprotectedsexual contact. If we all

commit to protecting ourselvesall the time we would break theback of the epidemic. So, whatdoes that mean? It meansdelaying sexual contact untilyou are ready, you really know

your partner, and you’ve had aconversation about your hopesand dreams, and aboutHIV/AIDS. It means, once youknow you are both negativeprojecting the sanctity of yourrelationship by being faithful.And it means being responsiblefor your own health by using acondom when you engage insexual contact.

While there is no cure forHIV, it is no longer theautomatic death sentence it

once was. There are treatmentsavailable that can control thevirus and help people livingwith HIV live healthy lives.And the treatments are gettingeasier to take and less toxic all

the time. I’m thankful for that.But, let’s not get it twisted,

the AIDS epidemic is far frombeing over, especially in Blackcommunities. Nearly 227,000Black Americans have diedfrom the disease and over500,000 thousand of us areliving with the disease today.AIDS is the leading cause ofdeath for Black women aged24-34. And 70 percent of thenew AIDS cases among AfricanAmericans in this country are

Black.So, on my Christmas list

this year, in addition to a curefor AIDS, I’m adding that BlackAmerica take ownership of theAIDS epidemic. When we are

around 50 percent of peopleliving with HIV/AIDS inAmerica, 50 percent of the newHIV cases, and 50 percent ofthe annual AIDS related deaths,AIDS is about our people. It isour problem and we have to bein the leadership in thedevelopment of any solution tothe issue. I don’t know howyou wrap a National BlackAIDS Mobilization movementand fit it under the Christmastree.

On Thanksgiving day, I wasgrateful that ending the AIDSepidemic in Black America isnow possible. On World AIDSDay and beyond, I and otherAIDS advocates, like we doeveryday, worked toward thatend. For my Christmas presentyou can join us in that effort byfinding out your HIV status,talking about HIV with yourfamily and loved ones,protecting yourself from thevirus and standing up againstHIV/AIDS stigma.

Black people have beengreater than any challengewe’ve confronted in the past.We were greater than themiddle passage. We weregreater than slavery. We weregreater than Reconstruction andJim Crow. We were greaterthan racism and we are greaterthan AIDS as well.

Phill Wilson is president andCEO of the Black AIDSInstitute.

http://insightnews.com Insight News • December 7 - December 13, 2009 • Page 7

On World AIDS Day: AIDS epidemic is far from being overBy Phill WilsonNNPA Columnist

Nearly 227,000 Black Americans have died fromthe disease and over 500,000 thousand of us are

living with the disease today.

way from poor people enjoying thesame opportunities as the well-to-do. It depends on the quality of ourstruggle, the quality of ourcommitment and the quality of ourconviction.

KW: Lester Chisholm asks, whatcan people do to avoid spiritual,emotional, mental, and physicalcompliancy?CW: They’ve got to hang aroundfolks who are on fire with a love forjustice.

KW: Lester also asks, what moviedo you recommend for people tobegin empower themselves?CW: Tell him to watch The Matrix.

KW: How about that film youappeared in this year called

Examined Life? That was a verypowerful documentary. CW: I appreciate that. I had a greattime working with Astra Taylor onthat. She’s a wonderful sister.

KW: Why do you refer to everyoneby either brother or sister, even ifthey’re not Black?CW: All human beings arevanishing creatures anddisappearing organisms trying tofind a little meaning and lovebefore they die. In that sense, we’reall trying to work it out. And whenI say “brother” or “sister” to everyperson without regard to color, orculture or civilization, I’m justpaying tribute to their struggle.

KW: well, Sister Laz Lyles says, Ijust want to know how he keeps hisafro so tight.CW: [LOL] well, I haven’t had ahaircut since 1984. So, it tends tojust fall in place every morning. Idon’t know how long it’ll last. I

might be baldheaded in a couple ofyears if the crisis hits me. Younever know.

KW: On a more serious note, Lazwants to know if you considerW.E.B. Du Bois’s idea of doubleconsciousness still relevant with theObama presidency.CW: Oh, absolutely. It’s deeplyrelevant, because there’s still a veilbetween the Black and white worldwhen it comes to cultural, religiousand other divides.

KW: Laz’s also asks, afterhealthcare, what is the next area ofmajor reform you’d like to seeObama address?CW: We need reform in themilitary, both in terms of militarypolicy, and in terms of its internaldynamics.

KW: Tale grad Tommy Russellasks, do you think Barack Obamais being treated less fairly or withless dignity than previouspresidents?CW: Yes, by Brother Rush[Limbaugh], Brother Sean[Hannity] and Brother BillO’Reilly. I think they hardly respecthim at all. In fact, I think they arevery demeaning and disrespectful.

On the other hand, the liberal presshas been so deferential, that theyhaven’t engaged in the criticismsthat they should. So, it cuts bothways. Barack Obama needs to beprotected, and he needs to berespected, but he also needs to becorrected. Criticisms are importantwhen they’re based on principle,man, because in the end, it’s notabout Obama, it’s about poorpeople and working people.

KW: Do you think inheriting thenation in the state it was left behindby Bush is dragging on Obama’sefficiency? CW: Absolutely! He came in undercatastrophic conditions. GeorgeBush had handed him a multi-layered mess. He’s been trying toget out from under that mess.However, the War in Afghanistanwill be Obama’s war. And theincreasing unemployment will beObama’s unemployment, owing tohis economic team that puts verylittle emphasis on the plight ofworking people and poor people.So, yes, Bush handed him a mess,but after a year he’s going to haveto begin to take some realresponsibility for what he’s headedtowards.

KW: Sue Doran asks, if you’veread anything by Chris Hedges? CW: Yes, the author of AmericanFascism. He’s a very important,prophetic voice in the culture.

KW: Postal clerk Ron Clark says,you’re one of his regular customersat the Princeton Post Office, andthat you always take one of theTootsie Pops he gives out. CW: Brother Ron! He has such awonderful spirit about him. Just tosee him uplifts you, and helps makeyour day a better day.

KW: Ron asks, where did youdevelop your oratory skills? CW: Probably in the church and onthe block.

KW: Ron follows up with, haveyou had any interaction withAngela Davis?CW: Oh Lord, yes! I was just withAngela not long ago. Sheintroduced me at a lecture at theUniversity of California at SantaCruz where she’s a distinguishedprofessor. She’s my dear sister.

KW: Tony Noel, a Muslim brother,says that he and you share acommon challenge in life besidesbeing of African descent. “We are

both survivors of prostate cancer.”He asks, how do you feel that wecan best spread the word to ourbrothers in the human race aboutthis disease?CW: Well, first let me say a prayerfor my dear brother… Secondly,we need to lift our voices. That’swhy when I travel to conferences Iencourage Black brothers to get aPSA exam to catch it early, so theycan live longer.

KW: The music maven HeatherCovington question: What musicare you listening to nowadays? CW: I start off in the morning withgospel, with James Cleveland, andoften end with George Clinton’s“One Nation under a Groove.”

KW: Thanks again, Dr. West, andbest of luck with the book and allyour endeavors.CW: I appreciate you’re taking thistime, and I deeply apologize abouthow hard it was for you to find me,but I’ve been on the run lately. Youjust stay strong, my brother.

To order a copy of Dr. West’s book,Living and Loving Out Loud, visit: www.amazon.com

A couple of days after spending awonderful Thanksgiving withfamily and friends, we officiallykicked off our newest familytradition-bell ringing for SalvationArmy, a Christian nonprofitorganization, that providesphysical and spiritual help to theneedy. God blessed us with a mild,sunny day and for two hours myhusband, our three children, and Ihung out together-greetingpassersby outside of the mall,

singing Christmas songs andthanking children and adults whoplaced spare change in the redkettle. We considered it time wellspent.

By now I’m sure you haveseen bell ringers throughout town,and I’d guess that many readershave even placed some change inthe red kettle. While sharing yourextra coins is always helpful andappreciated, I want to challengeyou toward giving in a moresubstantial way this holidayseason. I am not suggesting thatyou give more money. Instead Iwant you to consider the gift ofvolunteerism to an organization,like Salvation Army, that helpsthose in need during givingchallenging times. This method ofgift giving costs no money, butrewards the giver and receiver incountless ways. Giving gifts likethese are as easy as 1-2-3!

Find a place in need of help.That should not be hard at all!Most nonprofit organizations relyon most of their help at this time ofyear. Go online and explorevolunteer options based on yourinterests and skills. Here are acouple of family friendly optionsthat we have helped with; SalvationArmy www.thesalarmy.org andFeed My Starving Children, anorganization that sends foodaround the world to the needywww.fmsc.org

Find time to commit to helping(and follow though). Get yourkids, friends, and extended familyinvolved. I remember when myfriend celebrated her 50th birthdayby inviting friends to come andhelp pack food for the needy. Wehad a great time!

Find a happy medium. If youare reading this article andthinking that I must be crazy to

suggest that you help othersinstead of buying your childrengifts, then figure out what worksfor you. You don’t have to stopbuying for your childrenaltogether, but this may be a goodtime to evaluate your giving habitsand your motives. In addition, asearly as possible, teach yourchildren to be generous and thevalue of serving others.

I am always amazed at howquickly kids can become boredwith new toys, and how quicklythe toys can break. During thisgift-giving season, reconsider thetypes of gifts that you will presentto others. Instead of focusing onDoor-buster Specials andMidnight Madness Sales, considerthe words of wisdom fromscripture which states in part:“Why spend your money on food(or stuff) that does not give youstrength? Why pay for food (or

stuff) that does you no good?Listen and I will tell you where toget food that’s good for the soul!”Isaiah 55:2 NLT When youwillingly sacrifice your time toserve others it provides a type ofnourishment and satisfaction to thesoul that lasts longer than the last-minute holiday shopping trip.And let’s not forget that this gift

giving requires no wallet…Enjoy!

Marcia Humphrey is an interiordecorator and home stager whospecializes in achieving high styleat low costs. A native of Michigan,she and her husband, Lonnie, havethree children.

Page 8 • December 7 - December 13, 2009 • Insight News http://insightnews.com

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tremendous obstacles thesefamilies have been facing, not justsince national unemploymentreached 10.2 % in October, but forover a year now.”

Morial’s strongly-worded lettercame on the heels of a November17 statement issued by leadingAfrican American civil rightsgroups, the NAACP, headed byBen Jealous, the LeadershipConference on Civil Rights, headedby Wade Henderson, and othermajor civil rights organizations.

“Despite an effective and boldrecovery package we are still facinga prolonged period of highunemployment. Two years fromnow, absent further action, we arelikely to have unemployment at 8%or more, a higher rate than thatattained even at the worst point ofthe last two downturns,” said thejoint statement, which was issuedin conjunction with a forumsponsored by the Washington,D.C.-based Economic PolicyInstitute. “Joblessness on this scalecreates enormous social andeconomic problems—and deniesmillions of families the ability tomeet even their most basic needs. Italso threatens our nation’s futureprosperity by casting millions morechildren into poverty, foreclosingeducational opportunities for many,limiting the investment andinnovation that will fuel futuregrowth, and dimming long-termlabor market prospects, especiallyfor younger workers.”

The joint statement credits theObama Administration forprioritizing the economy as its firstmajor action, pushing through a$787 billion stimulus packageapproved by Congress and alreadycreating more than a million jobs.But the groups are pushing forgreater action.

Despite the issue of health care,still very much on the front-burneras it is slated for Senate debate thisweek, the jobless crisis isdemanding equal attention as itboils to the top. House leaders hope

to vote on a jobs bill by midDecember while Senate leadershave indicated they would take up ajobs bill after the health caredebate.

“Make no mistake – this is thecivil rights issue of the moment,”said LCCR President and CEOWade Henderson, in a statementposted on the organization’swebsite, Civilrights.org. “Unlesswe resolve our national job crisis,all of our other priorities – fromreforming health care and fixingour broken immigration system, tostemming home foreclosures andexpanding economic opportunityfor all Americans – are in realjeopardy.”

The joint statement, also signedby the AFL-CIO, the National

Council of La Raza, the Center forCommunity Change, and theEconomic Policy Institute,indicates that the crisis-levelconcern is escalating as thenumbers grow out of control – andwith racial disparity.

“Nearly 16 million Americanswho are able and willing to workcannot find a job. More than oneout of every three unemployedworkers has been out of a job forsix months or more. The situationfacing African American andLatino workers is even bleaker,

with unemployment at 15.7% and13.1%, respectively,” said thestatement, titled, “An Urgent Callto Action to Stem the U. S. JobCrisis”

At a White House pressconference last spring, PresidentObama fielded a question aboutrising Black unemployment bysaying, “A rising tide lifts allboats,” meaning as he addressesunemployment overall, Blackunemployment will also beaddressed. But, economists andcivil rights leaders say general

economic remedies will not beenough to rescue unemployedpeople who have nearly sunk to thebottom in their struggle to findwork.

“A rising tide lifts all boats forthose that are in the boats,” Morialsaid. He says reportedunemployment percentages onlyreflect those that are still lookingfor work; not those who have allbut given up after repeatedrejections.

“The real overallunemployment rate is something

like 17 percent. And it’s higher thanthat in the Black community,” hesaid.

Morial’s letter is addressed toLawrence Summers, director ofObama’s National EconomicCouncil, Senate Majority LeaderHarry Reid, Speaker of the HouseNancy Pelosi, and CongressionalBlack Caucus Chair Barbara Lee.The following is a synopsis of hisrecommendations:

• Fund direct job creation byoffering financial support to cities,

counties, states, universities,community colleges and non-profitcommunity based organizations tohire the personnel necessary toprovide critical services incommunities across the nation.

• Expand and expedite the SmallBusiness Administration’sCommunity Express Loan Programthrough a reduction of the interestrate to 1 percent targeted for thosebusinesses located in areas wherethe local unemployment rateexceeds the state average.

• Create Green EmpowermentZones in areas where at least 50percent of the population has anunemployment rate that is higherthan the state average.

• Expand the hiring of housingcounselors nationwide by investing$500 million to fund housingcounseling agencies nationwide tohelp delinquent borrowers workwith their loan servicers to securemore affordable mortgages.

• Expand the Youth Summer JobsProgram for 2010 by investing $5-7 billion to employ 5 million teens.The unemployment rate for AfricanAmerican youth is over 40 percent.

• Create 100 Urban JobsAcademies to Implement anExpansion of the Urban YouthEmpowerment Program (UYEP) to

employ and train the chronicallyunemployed.

“At a time of the year when wetraditionally give thanks andprepare to share generously withthose around us, the Americanpeople are both frustrated anddisappointed,” Morial concludes.“Despite the ambivalence of mostAmericans with regards tospending billions of dollars to bailout the very businesses they felthad previously taken advantage ofthem, they understood the need totake swift and deliberate action toavoid a major national, or evenglobal, financial crisis. We askthat the same urgency be given tothe people experiencing a personalfinancial crisis in cities throughoutthis country.”

http://insightnews.com Insight News • December 7 - December 13, 2009 • Page 9

JoblessnessFrom 1

Minneapolis CommunityPlanning and EconomicDevelopment (CPED)department says it will hold ameeting about heritagepreservation in the industrialareas along the MississippiRiver in North Minneapolis.

The meeting is open to thepublic and will be held 11:30am- 1pm, Friday, December 11,2009 at North Regional Library,1315 Lowry Avenue North,Minneapolis.

A historic resource study is

underway in the eastern mostportions of the Lind-Bohanan,Camden Industrial Area,McKinley, Hawthorne, andNear North neighborhoods toassess the potential for historicproperties.

This historic resourcessurvey covers the narrow swathof land east of Interstate 94,west of the Mississippi River,and north of Plymouth Avenueto the northern city limits. Theupcoming meeting will be anopportunity to learn about the

historic survey project in thisarea and preservation activitiescitywide.

The City was first surveyedfor historic resources in the1970s and many of today’sdesignated landmarks andhistoric districts are a result ofthis original survey. Since 2001,CPED has conducted moredetailed re-surveys of historicresources in specific areasacross Minneapolis .

The re-survey was directedby the City Council and was

undertaken to consider theaging of properties, changingattitudes about which types ofhistoric resources need to be

identified, and what level ofpreservation may beappropriate.

This year’s survey will helpachieve the City’s goal ofdocumenting historic resourcesthroughout the entire City over

a ten-year period. Reports forother survey areas from paststudies are available by calling

(612) 673- 2615.Information on preservation

in Minneapolis is available atthe Heritage Preservationwebsite for landmarks andhistoric districts:http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/hpc/landmarks/.

For additional informationcontact Jack Byers at 612 673-2634, or by email,jack.byers@ci.minneapolis.mn.us.

Discussions focus on heritage preservation in Northside industrial areas

The meeting is open to the public and will beheld 11:30am - 1pm, Friday, December 11,

2009 at North Memorial Library, 1315 LowryAvenue North, Minneapolis.

Photos NNPAWade Henderson, LCCR“Unless we resolve our national job crisis, all of our other priorities –

from reforming health care and fixing our broken immigration system,to stemming home foreclosures and expanding economic opportunity

for all Americans – are in real jeopardy.” Wade Henderson, LCCR

Page 10 • December 7 - December 13, 2009 • Insight News http://insightnews.com

Send Community Calendarinformation to us by: email,ben@insightnews.com, by fax:612-588-2031, by phone: (612)588-1313 or by mail: 1815Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN55411, Attn: Ben Williams. Freeor low cost events preferred.

Events

Holiday Art Sale - OngoingDec. 5, 6, 12 & 13. Saturdays:10am – 4pm. Sundays: 1pm –4pm. All Nations Church, 1515East 23rd St. Mpls. Originalbeadwork, jewelry,leatherwork, fabric, soaps,perfumes & much more. Freeto the public. For more info,call (715) 386-3100.

Mn/DOT – 20 Class ACommercial Driving LicenseScholarshipsImportant dates: ApplicationDeadline: December 11, 2009Selected candidates notified:December 30, 2009 Classdates: January 6, 2010 – Feb 3,2010. Location/Time for CDLClasses: Century CollegeTransportation TrainingCenter, 14386 Hudson Rd S,Afton, MN 55001. Monday –Friday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Formore info, contact, forMinneapolis: RooseveltGaines, Minneapolis UrbanLeague, 2100 PlymouthAvenue North, Minneapolis,MN 55411. Tel: 612-302-3117;Fax: 612-521-1444; EMAIL:rgaines@mul.org. And for StPaul: Abe Hassan, MerrickCommunity Services, 715Edgerton Street, Saint Paul,MN 55130. Tel: 651-771-

9339, Ext. 1004; Fax: 651-771-8465; EMAIL:ahassan@merrickcs.org.

Scrooge in Tha Hood “AClassic Folk Tale with anUrban Twist - Ongoing12/07, 12/08, 12/09, 12/10,12/11, 12/12, 12/13 (all7:00pm; December 12th2:00pm & 7:00pm) at ChristChurch International 301513th Avenue S. Mpls. For moreinformation, visit www.scroogeinthehood.com

Free information session onchild support for noncustodialparents – Dec. 8Dec. 8, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.at Hennepin County Library –Washburn, 5244 Lyndale Ave.,Mpls. Space is limited, so callto reserve a seat. For additionalinformation and reservations,call 612-348-2478. www.hennepin.us.

Hamline Jazz Ensemble &Jazz Combo Winter Concert– Dec. 8Tues., Dec. 8, 7 p.m. at AnneSimley Theatre on the HamlineUniversity Campus, 1536Hewitt Ave., St. Paul. For moreinformation, contact Marilynat 651-523-2296.

Home for the Holidays: AMinnesota ChristmasConcert series - Dec. 10Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. at thePantages Theatre: 710Hennepin Ave, Mpls. Allproceeds from the concert withbe donated to IBEW HolidayLights charities. For moreinformation visit: www.lightsinthepark.org

Christmas Lunch forSeniors – Dec. 1011:00 am - 2:30 pm at SalemCovenant Church, 2655 - 5thStreet NW (just south of 694on Silver Lake Road), NewBrighton. Free, but must RSVPby December 3 to attend. Afteryou eat, you will enjoy aconcert by DeCantus, an acapella choral group who willbe dressed in Victoriancostumes while they sing.RSVP to Becky Cole, 612-781-3630 or emailOutreachNE@yahoo.com

Camden Music SchoolHoliday Concert, Sing-Alongand Bake Sale - Dec. 12Sat., Dec. 12, 4pm at CMS inCamden, 3751 Sheridan Ave.North Mpls. Musical andEdible Treats for the Holidays.All proceeds from the bakesale go to the CMSScholarship Fund.

Hamline Orchestra Concert:Yali You, director, Songsfrom Italy – Dec. 12Sat., December 12, 2 p.m. atSundin Music Hall on theHamline University Campus,1536 Hewitt Ave., St. Paul. Formore information, contactMarilyn at 651-523-2296.

Holiday train event supportsEastside food shelves – Dec. 12Sat., Dec. 12, 8 p.m. atShoreham Yards, 2800 CentralAve. NE, Mpls. For moreinformation about the 2009Holiday Train Eventsupporting food shelves at EastSide Neighborhood Servicescall 612.787.4019 or visitwww.esns.org.

2009 Holiday Train eventsupports EastsideNeighborhood Services –Dec. 12Sat., Dec. 12, 8 p.m. atShoreham Yard, 2800 CentralAve. NE, Minneapolis. Thisevent is free and open to thepublic. For more informationabout the 2009 Holiday Train,call 612.787.4019 or visitwww.esns.org.

5th Annual Camden MusicSchool Holiday Concert,Sing-Along and Bake Sale –Dec. 12Saturday, December 12, 3-4pm, Luther MemorialLutheran Church, 3751Sheridan Ave. N.,Minneapolis. Free. Moreinformation: 612-618-0219 orwww.camdenmusicschool.com.

Where’s Claudia? / ?DondeEsta Claudia? - Dec. 12Show times: 10 AM & Noon.Make-n-Take workshops: 11AM. Heart of the Beast Puppetand Mask Theatre, 1500 E.Lake Street, Mpls, 612-721-2535, www.hobt.org.

University Women’s Chorale– Dec. 13Sunday, December 13, 2009 -3 p.m. at Sundin Music Hall onthe Hamline UniversityCampus, 1536 Hewitt Ave., St.Paul. For more information,contact Marilyn at 651-523-2296.

Lex-Ham Community Bandfree concert of holiday music– Dec. 13Sunday, Dec 13, 7:00 p.m. atthe Beutow Auditorium in theMusic/Fine Arts Building atConcordia University-St. Paul,310 N Hamline Avenue, St.Paul. For further information,see www.LexHamArts.org/band.

Stages Theatre CompanyHosts Toys for Tots AnnualToy DriveThe drive coincides with theholiday production, ‘Twas theNight Before Christmas andbegins Thursday, Nov. 19(preview night) and endsSunday, Dec. 13. Located at1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins. Formore information, call (952)979-1123.

St. Joan of Arc MentalIllness Ministry – Dec. 14Mon, Dec. 14; 5:45 - 8:15pm.5:45: Light meal provided;7pm: Topic: Depression andHolidays; Speaker: EarnieLarson; No RSVP needed;free; open to all; Certificate ofAttendance available; St. Joan,Roseann, 612.823.8205; Maryclaudemaryparadis@comcast.net; St. Joan Hospitality Hall,Door 1, 4537 3rd Av S, Mpls;www.stjoan.com/mimfr.htm

Snow Flake Bentley - Dec. 19Show times: 10 AM & Noon.Make-n-Take workshops: 11AM. Heart of the Beast Puppetand Mask Theatre, 1500 E.Lake Street, Mpls, 612-721-2535, www.hobt.org.

Free job search workshop -Dec. 22Tues., 1 - 3:30pm at NewHorizons Learning Center,4510 W 77th St in Edina. HelpWanted Workshop will offer afree job search workshop totest the curriculum for futureseminars. We’re looking toinclude 8-12 people toparticipate and providefeedback. To register, call Julieat 763-656-3808, email:julie@helpwantedworkshop.comor website:www.helpwantedworkshop.com.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

POLITICAL WRITER -FREELANCE

Insight News is looking for an enthusiastic andexperienced political writer for a beat thatincludes covering high profile elected officialsand the community events they sponsor — or anot so-well attended neighborhood or block clubmeeting. This is a freelance position. Theperfect candidate is someone who is a self-starter who can work in a fast-pacedenvironment as well as produce news features,and jump on breaking stories when needed.Strong writing skills are a must, as well as aproven track record connectinglocal/neighborhood issues to national/federalpolicy. Interested applicants should send a coverletter, resume and three to five writing samplesto: Patricia Weaver, Director of Content, InsightNews, PO BOX 581367, Minneapolis, MN55411 or email patricia@insightnews. Pleasenote "POLITICAL WRITER" in the subject line.No phone calls or walk-ins, please.

ABAMinnesota Blizzards Basketball

The Minnesota Blizzards ABA Basketball Teamis announcing a program for college Internshipsfor the fall and winter. The program will consist offive teams of 5 interns each in the followingareas: (1) Sales, (2) Basketball Operations. (3)Marketing (4) Public Relations (5) Businessadministration. Each team will have a leader andbe given challenging assignments.

We are looking for college students majoring inSports Management, Business, PublicRelations, Marketing Sales, Broadcasting andEvent Planning. We need 20 or 25 internsworking with us for a (minimum of 8 hours aweek) on a part-time basis. Interns will gainvaluable experience, and in most cases collegecredits. Interested Parties please send resume to:

The Minnesota ABA Team Attn: Internship Program10125 Crosstown Circle #200Eden Prairie, MN 55344

952-829-1250 Fax: 952-829-1040www.minnesotablizzards.com

Grants and Appeals Coordinator Summit Academy OIC is seeking a highly skilledand experienced grant and appeals writer tocoordinate and develop long-term, expandedconstituency for grants, and gifts for support ofvocational education programs of the SummitAcademy OIC. The ideal candidates must havea four-year college degree and at least fouryears proven grant writing experience anddevelopment work in the non-profit sector.Candidates must also possess expert level skillsin word processing, spreadsheets and databasemanagement programs. Salary iscommensurate with education and experience.Valid Driver's license required. EEO/AAEmployer. Position open until filled. Women andminorities encouraged to apply. Submit allresumes to cbennett@saoic.org. No phoneinquiries, please.

Child, Please! This is how TigerWoods should have respondedto the question as to whether heowes the public a greaterexplanation for…whatever hedid. It’s pretty sickening (andhistorical) the way certain

people froth over the potentialdownfall of another. When I seethose situations develop, italways reminds me of thepeople who beat down thecentral figure in the best sellingbook of all-time(booksellerworld.com if youneed the title). But the simplewisdom of it all comes down to:misery loves company, andnobody is perfect. It doesn’t getmuch simpler than that.

Tiger Woods may have had aprotective angel over hisshoulder for quite some time inhis life, as he has remaineduntouched by the growing “uglymedia” —also known as tabloidjournalism. As of right now it’s

not clear exactly what TigerWoods has done wrong – otherthan crash his truck into a tree –but should the “transgressions”Woods mentions includeinfidelity…well, let’s just saythat whatever he did hisprotective angel must havetaken a donut break, or betteryet, slipped out of the office fora round of golf.

And so just like any othersituation in life, withoutprotection, it’s much morelikely that somebody is going toget burned. Now while manyladies may want to toss their logonto the Tiger roast, we allknow that “a woman scorned”doesn’t need any help from the

neighbors, so to speak; and forthat matter Woods’ wife Elin hasa twin sister, so I can see Tigergetting migraine headachesevery time he sees a pack ofDoublemint gum.

As for my personal opinionregarding Woods’ familyproblems, I prefer the words ofhis fellow professional golferSteve Stricker, “Do we reallyneed to know?” Better yet,didn’t President Obama justmake a speech leading us deeperinto war in Afghanistan? Andwhere is the rest of that bailoutmoney? It’s Christmas time forChristmas sakes. Folks need tobe worried about their owndrunk uncle, whom will bestopping by soon to providesome real holidayentertainment. Yet instead wehave to listen to a bunch ofpeople sitting atop theirblameless soapboxes passingjudgment on the imperfectionsof others, and worse yetprescribing what it is that theaccused should do. What theaccused should do is avoid thecompany of the misery otherstry to impute upon them, and itseems to me that is what TigerWoods is doing, because he hasenough misery of his own.

When I hear things like: “It’snot that he’s perfect, it’s that hehad IMG sell him assuch”(Wetzel, Yahoo Sports), Irespond, “You’re a fool forbuying it.” Some others havesaid that Woods needs to make apublic display of remorse. Letme translate that: Tiger, we wantyou to come on television andgive us a cathartic interview sowe can scrutinize your posture,your eyes, your voice inflection,the color of your shirt, and notto mention every syllable ofevery word that you say, andalmost say.

Some public figures arewilling to compromise theirprivacy in hopes that thepublicity they garner in theprocess helps to bolster the

number of times their nameappears in the news. Theproblem then becomes that themedia personnel seeking toelevate their professional namefor covering an intimate part ofthe story, then begin to feelentitled to all stories of the sort.Also confusing the issue is thefact that public servants actuallydo have to come out, makestatements, and seek thepublics’ forgiveness in that theyare elected officials. In the caseof Tiger Woods, if you don’tlike watching adulterers playgolf, then you can elect to cutthe TV off, and probably shouldhave a long time ago.

I am not going to deny thatthere is obviously a story here,

but along with any story shouldcome sound perspective. I domy best to only take out of thesetypes of stories the broaderlessons that are applicable toeveryone over seven-years-oldwith a pulse. I hope that kidsread (most of) my articles,because I’m often thinking ofhow to pass somethingpurposeful along to them, whilestill entertaining or informingthe adult audience. So here’s theentertainment: I ain’t perfect,and neither is the White Housedinner guest list. Now for thepurposeful part: Neither areyou, so hush up your giggling atme.

By Ryan T. Scottryan@insightnews.com

Mr T’sSportsReport

We should wish the best for Tiger and his wife

http://insightnews.com Insight News • December 7 - December 13, 2009 • Page 11

SPORTS

old.armymwr.comTiger Woods

Page 12 • December 7 - December 13, 2009 • Insight News http://insightnews.com

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