Page 2 The San Diego MonitorSAN DIEGO MONITOR

10 “FREE”Things

MCCSN Love in San Diego:

The U.S. Olympic Training Center-Chula Vista: Tours are pro-

vided as hospitality to guests at no cost on Saturday at 11:00am.

Guests can also visit Tuesday -Sunday from 9:00am-4:00pm.http://www.teamusa.org/about-usoc/u-s-olympic-training-

center-chula-vista/toursOld Town San Diego: San Diego’s birthplace - learn about

San Diego’s history by visiting Old Town’s historic buildings,blacksmith shop, beautiful scenic parks, the Mission and the

oldest schoolhouse in San Diego.

http://www.oldtownsandiego.org/Chicano Park: Experience the history of the local Hispanic

community’s struggle with a visit to the Chicano Park Murals,established by activists in 1970.

http://www.chicanoparksandiego.com/Balboa Park: A landscape or art and culture with a variety

of other free offerings, including free admission to select muse-ums on Tuesdays and ranger-led walking tours.

http://www.balboapark.org/

The New Children’s Museum: Free admission on the sec-ond Sunday of each.

http://www.thinkplaycreate.org/Adams Avenue Street Festival: April 30th & May 1st -

free music festival 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.http://adamsaveonline.com/StreetFair/Linda Vista Multicultural Fair and Parade: April 16th @

10:00am – 5:00pm, free.

http://www.lindavistafair.org/Jazz in the Parks throughout San Diego County: Free,

May thru September :

Seaport Village (East Gazebo )

Coronado Bay (Orange Ave., between 6th & 7thStreet) and other locations http://www.signonsandiego.com/feature/free-summer-concerts/

Friday Night Live @ NTC Promenade: Every Friday Nightfrom 5:30-8:30pm Recreational Music Center turns into a per-

formance venue for RMC students and the community. Open tocurrent students, their families and the public. http://www.ntc-foundation.org/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=15734

San Diego Sand Castle competition: July 22-24, 2011,View hundreds of sand sculpting artists at work; the event alsofeatures a parade and children’s sandcastle contest.

http://www.usopensandcastle.com/

Monroe Samuel Nash, Jr.

Honors:

Affiliations:

The San Diego Monitor Page 3SAN DIEGO MONITOR

ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, EPSILON XI OMEGA CHAPTER PREPARES THE

2010-11 DEBUTANTE CANDIDATES FOR THE 56TH ANNUAL DEBUTANTE BALL

San Diego, CA - The Alpha Kappa AlphaSorority, Inc., Epsilon Xi Omega ChapterSan Diego welcomes the 2010-11

Debutante candidates to the San Diego Countycommunity. For more than 100 years, AlphaKappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has committed itselfto cultivating the moral and spiritual values ofyoung womanhood and academic excellence.The theme of this year’s Debutante Ball is“Ebony Pearls: Striving for Excellence toAchieve a Dream”. Over a sixmonth period,these young ladies have been participating inAlpha Kappa Alpha Leadership andEnhancement workshops that focus on commu-nication skills, college preparation, social eti-quette skills, the value of an education and devel-oping a sense of community. This program helpsthe young Debutante candidates develop self-confidence, pride, social responsibility andexposure to the importance of achieving aca-demic excellence and having the choice ofattending college on their journey to building asolid foundation for success.

There are twenty-three young ladies fromSan Diego County that make up this year’sDebutante candidates. They are Ashah Austin,Ajeelon Boyd, Kristina Brown, Shayla Brown,Lorren Comeaux, Jantene Corley, Dakota Davis,Leanea Edmundson, Amber Fields, BreahnaGillespie, Jasmine Jackson, Jasmine Johnson,Imani Jordan, Louise Jordan, Taylor-JadeKennedy, Shardasia LeDay, Preonna Owens,Chawarren Pearson, Evrin Peavy, Leandra Peter,Symphonie Trout, Asha Walker, and CeirraWhite. The Debutante candidates will be escort-ed on the evening on the Ball by young menfrom the community.

The Debutante candidates and their escortshave been practicing the dance steps for the Ballfor the past three months. Each year, theDebutante Ball is truly a spectacular event withyoung ladies dressed in their beautiful floorlength white dresses being celebrated by mem-bers of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. andthe Debutante’s parents, family and friends. Inaddition, the young men dressed in their tuxedoswaltz with the Debutantes in front of theDebutante Ball guests.

The Parents of the Debutante candidates havebeen attending monthly parent meetings wherethey learned additional details about theDebutante program as well as how to navigatethe educational system to ensure that their chil-dren have the choice of attending college.Epsilon Xi Omega Chapter salutes the parents,grandparents and family members of theDebutante candidates and escorts for their com-mitment to family and the success of their chil-dren.

The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.Epsilon Xi Omega Chapter members, andDebutante and escort family, friends and thecommunity look forward to celebrating the 56thAnnual Debutante Ball on Saturday, April 2,2011 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel SanDiego.

The Alpha Kappa Alpha DebutanteChairmen for the 2010-11 program are DeborahDavisGillespie and Charlaine Carter. ThePresident of the Epsilon Xi Omega Chapter isJoyce Suber. For more information about thesorority, please visit www.akasandiego.com

Page 4 The San Diego MonitorSAN DIEGO MONITOR

E D I T O R I A L

Black Americans Have Not Been Treated For Their IllnessWho is Qualified to Administer the Treatment?

When you have been scolded, and toldthat you are nothing or that you will neveramount to anything, it won’t be long beforeyou begin to believe it, especially if thosetelling you such things are responsible foryour daily bread. Within the slave/masterrelationship, it wasn’t long at all beforewhatever the master said and did was seenas the truth. The Black community hasbeen robbed of its personal riches, its com-munity riches, and self worth. But someBlack people will put up a defense and pro-tect those that have robbed our community.In no way will they place the responsibili-ty at White America’s feet for the characterassassination they perpetrated against theBlack slave. Blacks in America have notbeen treated for the 400 years they wentwithout any self worth. But who is quali-fied to administer this treatment?

It certainly can’t be the person whosevenom infected you. In fact, WhiteAmericans have put up a fight, saying thatthere is nothing wrong with BlackAmericans and that they need no treatment.After the Civil War, many Blacks that hadknown only slavery were thrown off theplantation and were told, “You are free, gofend for yourself,” when they had no expe-rience doing so and were hated from plan-tation to plantation. What was one to do?The illness continued to make Black folkssicker and sicker—so sick that even theiroffspring were born sick too. If you don’tthink so, take a look at the greed and thedistrust that tends to run rampant through-out the Black community. We Black folkstend to always use the excuse that Blackpeople will not stick together like othergroups of people. But consider that wewere taught not to trust each other or loveeach other. Fathers and mothers weretaken away from their children. Whitemales had their way with Black women.

It reminds me of a family I knew grow-ing up. The plantation owner would gothere with the Black husband’s wife while

he was out digging up stumps in the North40. When the children came, there was noquestion of who was the father to the light-est one. Not Black, not white, not loved byhis father, nor loved by his real whitefather, but loved by his mother to thedegree that she would never tell her hus-band what happened. The husband knewthe truth but could not say anything. Theself-hatred I am sure that was built up inthat man was passed on to anyone he asso-ciated with as long as he did not have toadmit what he knew to be the truth.

If someone has a surgery, they send theindividual to rehab. Black people needsuch treatment. But we don’t need to betreated by a teacher that has never experi-enced our suffering. We don’t need to betreated by a politician who is only con-cerned about his future, though he says heis concerned for our people. Isn’t that thesame story the slave master used?

I can write about these problems

because I can admit the truth. I grew up inAlabama and loved white folks; I thoughtsegregation was the way life was. Once Icould admit these things, I could begin thehealing process. What about you? Youwon’t admit that segregation exists. Youlove white folks because they invite you to

their dinner table to eat. I appreciate allpeople from all walks of life. And I respectthem too. I have no problem with interra-cial marriage because I now have been ableto admit what the truth was, what the lieswere, and I have healed myself from thatillness. Have you?

Until Next Week,Willie Morrow

A slave story told through song,“Underground” follows Bali, a field slave whoplans to escape from his oppressive plantationlife after learning that his master is going to sellhis young daughter, Emala. Discoveringinstructions hidden within the lyrics of theNegro Spirituals, Bali finally decides to fleewith Emala.

A house slave, Dembi, is forced along theirperilous journey after trying to convince themthat their path is too dangerous. Dembi believesthat they will surely be killed if they follow thepath of the Underground Railroad. As we jointhem on their run to freedom, their songs andlyrics carry us along in hopes that the masterwill never find them and drag them back to alife of servitude.

Q&A with Director: Akil DuPontQ: “What inspired you to make this film?”A: I was primarily inspired by two films,

Sweeney Todd ? directed by: Tim Burton andRay ? directed by Taylor Hackford. SweeneyTodd was a very different type of musical set inVictorian London about a barber who goes on amurderous rampage through London. Therewas no dancing or happiness in the film… It’s adark and tragic musical, but it was told beauti-fully! Ray starring Jamie Foxx was fascinatingbecause even though it is classified as a musi-cal, most of the audience did not absorb it as amusical. That’s because the music was veryorganic and real. It very much belonged to thestory.

I wanted to combine the two elements of“darkness” and “reality” into one story toldthrough song. A bit of my heritage started bub-bling up, and then the idea of Underground wasborn! My hope was to create something thatwould capture the emotions that created theNegro Spiritual, show how slaves leaned onreligion to make it through their trials and tellthis important piece of American History.

Q: “What was the most difficult part ofmaking the film?”

A: The most challenging part for me wasmaking sure that the tone of the film was right.A movie like this had not been attemptedbefore. When I was pitching the story to people,

combining the words “slavery” & “musical”created all kinds of weird images in people’sheads. None of which I was trying to create ofcourse. This musical needed to be raw, visceral& gritty. No dancing, no happiness. In the end,I think we achieved a beautiful synergy of storyand song!

Q: “Where and with whom did you recordthe music?”

A: The Florida A&M University (FAMU)Gospel Choir were my saviors! Our initialmusic source did not deliver after 6 months ofpreparation. It was a week before productionand I had no music… Kinda important for amusical! I was scrambling and I met the direc-tor of the FAMU Gospel Choir by chance (NateTanner). I pitched the film to him, and in thenext 2 days we were recording some beautifulpieces of music. God really made a way for thatto happen!!!

Can the power of Negro Spirituals save three slaves who are fighting

insurmountable odds to find the Underground Railroad?

“An emotional feast for the eyes and ears on screen!Poignant, gut wrenching & tearful!” ~Actor, Mark Marple

Director, Co-writer & Musical Director Akil DuPont

The San Diego Monitor Page 5SAN DIEGO MONITOR

Bid/Contract Title Bid Range

Holmes Elementary School – Replace Fire-Destroyed Portable Less than $200K

University City High School: Lighting & Scoreboard Less than $200K

Point Loma High School: Weight Room $200K - $1 Million

Fulton Elementary School Food Service Modernization $200K - $1 Million

Cherokee Point Elementary School – Modify for K-2 2nd Floor Conditions $200K - $1 Million

Webster – F&I New HVAC (Group 1) $200K - $1 Million

Jefferson Elementary School: K-2 2nd Floor Exiting Improvements $200K - $1 Million

Rosa Parks Elementary School: K-2 2nd Floor Exiting Improvements $200K - $1 Million

Chavez Elementary School: K-2 2nd Floor Exiting Improvements $200K - $1 Million

Marshall Elementary School: Student Drop-Off and DSA ADA Upgrades $200K - $1 Million

Furnish and Install Marquee Signs on an As-Needed Basis (IDIQ) NTE $800,000

Encanto Elementary School: New Classroom Building $1 - $5 Million*

Mead Elementary School HVAC Project $1 - $5 Million*

Creative Performing Media Arts: WSM $1 - $5 Million*

Sessions Elementary School: Parking Lot & Student Drop-Off/Pick-Up Upgrades $1 -$10 Million*

Creative, Performing and Media Arts at Kroc Visual and Performing Arts Project $5 - $10 Million

Language Academy: New Classroom Building Project $5 - $10 Million*

Data Center at Serra High School $5 - $10 Million*

Creative Performing Media Arts: New Building Project $5 - $10 Million*

*PSA Applies

SDUSD Offers Free Resources To Licensed Construction Contractors

Of All TiersSan Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) has opportunities for local small and

underutilized businesses to participate in its construction projects.

Licensed trades sought will include acoustical, carpentry, concrete, demolition,

doors/window work, electrical, flashing/sheet metal, flooring, grading, HVAC,

laborer, landscape, painting, piping/plumbing, etc. Supplies may be needed too.

Be informed. The following projects will be bid soon:

Contact Alma Bañuelos at abanuelossandi.net or 858-573-5852

to get on SDUSD's database today! We'll send bid notices, a quarterly newsletter and

contracting information to you at no cost.

We can also help to increase your visibility in SDUSD's construction contracting environment.

Small and emerging businesses are highly encouraged tomake use of these free services!

Para mãs información en español, haga favor de comunicarse con Alma al 858-573-5852.

Page 6 The San Diego MonitorSAN DIEGO MONITOR

Ten Big Liesof MultilevelMarketingBy Robert L. Fitzpatrick

The multilevel marketing (MLM) field grows, andits member companies multiply. Solicitations to joinseem to be everywhere. Its promoters would like youto believe that it is the wave of the future, a businessmodel that is gaining momentum, growing in accep-tance and legitimacy, and will eventually replace mostother forms of marketing. Many people are led tobelieve that success will come to anyone who believesin the system and adheres to its methods.

Unfortunately, the MLM business model is a hoaxthat is hidden beneath misleading slogans. Calling it a“great business opportunity” makes no more sensethan calling the purchase of a lottery ticket a “businessventure” and winning the lottery a “viable incomeopportunity for everyone.” MLM industry claims ofdistributor income potential, its glorified descriptionsof the “network’” business model, and its propheciesof dominating product distribution have as muchvalidity in business as UFO sightings do in the realmof science.

The very legality of the MLM system rests tenu-ously upon a single 1979 court ruling on one compa-ny. The guidelines for legal operation set forth in thatruling are routinely ignored by the industry. Lack ofgoverning legislation or oversight by any designatedauthority also enables the industry to endure despiteoccasional prosecutions by state attorneys general orthe FTC.

MLM’s economic scorecard is characterized bymassive failure rates and financial losses for millionsof people. Its structure in which positions on an end-less sales chain are purchased by selling or buyinggoods is mathematically unsustainable, and its systemof allowing unlimited numbers of distributors in anymarket area is inherently unstable. MLM’s espousedcore business — personal retailing — is contrary totrends in communication technology, cost-effectivedistribution, and consumer buying preferences. Theretailing activity is, in reality, only a pretext for theactual core business, which is enrolling investors inpyramid organizations that promise exponentialincome growth.

As in all pyramid schemes, the incomes of thosedistributors at the top and the profits to the sponsoringcorporations come from a continuous influx of newinvestors at the bottom. Viewed superficially in terms

inherently unstable.Lie #2: Network marketing is the most popu-

lar and effective new way to bring products to market. Consumers like to buy products on aone-to-one basis in the MLM model.

Truth: Personal retailing — including nearly allforms of door-to-door selling — is a thing of the past,not the wave of the future. Retailing directly to friendson a one-to-one basis requires people to drasticallychange their buying habits. They must restrict theirchoices, often pay more for goods, buy inconvenient-ly, and engage in potentially awkward business rela-tionships with close friends and relatives. In reality,MLM depends on reselling the opportunity to sign upmore distributors.

Lie #3: Eventually all products will be sold byMLM. Retail stores, shopping malls, catalogs andmost forms of advertising will soon be renderedobsolete by MLM.

Truth: Fewer than 1% of all retail sales are madethrough MLM, and much of this is consists of pur-chases by hopeful new distributors who are actuallypaying the price of admission to a business they willsoon abandon. MLM is not replacing existing forms ofmarketing. It does not legitimately compete with othermarketing approaches at all. Rather, MLM representsa new investment scheme couched in the language ofmarketing. Its real products are distributorships thatare sold through misrepresentation and exaggeratedpromises of income. People are buying products inorder to secure positions on the sales pyramid. Thepossibility is always held out that you may becomerich if not from your own efforts then from someunknown person (“the big fish”) who might join your“downline.”

MLM’s growth does not reflect its value to theeconomy, customers, or distributors, but the high lev-els of economic fear, insecurity, wishes for quick andeasy wealth. The market dynamics are similar to thoseof legalized gambling, but the percentage of winnersis much smaller.

Lie #4: MLM is a new way of life that offershappiness and fulfillment. It provides a way toattain all the good things in life.

Truth: The most prominent motivational themesof the MLM industry, as shown in industry literatureand presented at recruitment meetings, constitute thecrassest form of materialism. Fortune 100 companieswould blush at the excess of promises of wealth, lux-ury, and personal fulfillment put forth by MLM solic-itors. These appeals actually conflicts with most peo-ple’s true desire for meaningful and fulfilling work atsomething in which they have special talent or inter-est.

Lie #5: MLM is a spiritual movement.Truth: The use of spiritual concepts like prosper-

ity consciousness and creative visualization toContinued on page 8

of company profits and the wealth of an elite group atthe pinnacle of the MLM industry, the model canappear viable to the uninformed, just as all pyramidschemes do before they collapse or are prosecuted byauthorities.

The growth of MLM is the result of deceptivemarketing that plays upon treasured cultural beliefs,social and personal needs, and some economic trends,rather than its ability to meet any consumer needs. Thedeceptive marketing is nurtured by a general lack ofprofessional evaluation or investigation by reputablebusiness media. Consequently, there is widespreadbelief that MLM is a viable business investment orcareer choice for nearly everyone and that the odds offinancial success in the venture are comparable or bet-ter than other employment or business ventures.

MLM’s true constituency is not the consumingpublic but hopeful investors. The market for theseinvestors grows significantly in times of economictransition, globalization, and employee displacement.Promises of quick and easy financial deliverance andthe linking of wealth to ultimate happiness also playwell in this market setting. The marketing thrust ofMLM is directed to prospective distributors, ratherthan product promotions to purchasers. Its true prod-ucts are not long distance phone services, vitamins, orskin creams, but the investment propositions for dis-

tributorships which are deceptively portrayed withimages of high income, low time requirements, smallcapital investments, and early success.

Here are ten lies I have identified during more than20 years of observing the MLM marketplace:

Lie #1: MLM offers better opportunities thanall other conventional business and professionalmodels for making large amounts of money.

Truth: For almost everyone who invests, MLMturns out to be a losing financial proposition. Fewerthan 1% of all MLM distributors ever earn a profit andthose earning a sustainable living at this business are amuch smaller percentage still.

Extraordinary sales and marketing obstaclesaccount for much of this failure, but even if the busi-ness were more feasible, sheer mathematics wouldseverely limit the opportunity. The MLM businessstructure can support only a small number of financialwinners. If a 1,000-person downline is needed to earna sustainable income, those 1,000 will need one mil-lion more to duplicate the success. How many peoplecan realistically be enrolled? Much of what appears asgrowth is in fact only the continuous churning of newenrollees. The money for the rare winners comes fromthe constant enrollment of armies of losers. With nolimits on numbers of distributors in an area and noevaluation of market potential, the system is also

The San Diego Monitor Page 7SAN DIEGO MONITOR

Page 8 The San Diego MonitorSAN DIEGO MONITOR

OMNILOGUE© - “All of us communicating witheach other, so that we all come to a collective under-standing, so that we all work toward the same goal.” ©

Institution Building: The Black Church Part 1The Omnilogue” vision is one of …

a better understanding …of the communities in which we live.By Clovis M. Honoré

I define an institution as having the following qualities: An Institution must: 1 – OWN theland. 2 – OWN the structures. 3 – OWN the enterprise that operates in the structure. 4 –SERVE its own people. 5 – SERVE OTHERS. By this definition, I DARE YOU to identify ten(10) African American institutions in San Diego County…

…other than the Black (Christian?) Church.I can’t speak for the African American Muslim community. I don’t have enough informa-

tion. I can speak for the Black (Christian) Church. I have been a Christian for forty threeyears; in the Black Baptist Church in San Diego for more than twenty five years; a member ofBayview Baptist Church for more than twenty years; an “associate minister” for almost fifteenyears; and I have been involved in Faith-based community organizing for more than ten years.

Is the Black Church an institution, or just another common factor in our “developing” com-munity? (As in “developing,” i.e., “third world,” countries.) I will ask a few questions aboutthe institutional quality of the Black Church (oxymoron?) a little later. Right now I’m far moreconcerned about the supposed mission of the “Black Church”.

THE CHURCH is not a building, a denomination, a congregation, nor a color for that mat-ter. The Church is the Body of Christ. Everyone who is a Christian is a member of thisChurch. In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus identifies six ministries that define the work of theChristians – The Church – service to “the least of these.”: 1 – Giving food to the hungry. 2- Water to the thirsty. 3 – Clothes to the naked. 4 – Shelter to the homeless (stranger). 5 –Nursing the sick. 6 – Visiting those in prison. How many so-called Black churches do youknow who have these six ministries as their core and focus? It’s not like these needs don’texist in OUR community.

Every church seems to want to have a big, loud choir, lock-step ushers, he-man deacons,rich trustees and entertaining preachers. Then we all dress up and come to the well-orchestrat-ed show on Sunday. That sounds more like theater to me. I used to work for the Civic Theaterdowntown, and they valued the same things. We put a lot of money, effort and energy intoentertainment.

But how many so-called “black churches” put as much effort, energy and MONEY into thesix ministries Jesus said they would be doing if they were real Christian Churches? If theseare “Christian” churches, and Christ sets the mission, and if institutions are built around mis-sion – how can these churches develop as institutions if they are off-mission? And if they areoff-mission, are they of any real use to the institutional development of the African Americancommunity?

CMH

MLMContinued from page 6promote MLM enrollment, the use of words like“communion” to describe a sales organization, andclaims that MLM fulfills Christian principles orScriptural prophecies are great distortions of thesespiritual practices. Those who focus their hopes anddreams upon wealth as the answer to their prayers losesight of genuine spirituality as taught by religions. Themisuse of these spiritual principles should be a signalthat the investment opportunity is deceptive. When aproduct is wrapped in the flag or in religion, buyerbeware! The “community” and “support” offered byMLM organizations to new recruits is based entirelyupon their purchases. If the purchases and enrollmentdecline, so does the “communion.’”

Lie #6: Success in MLM is easy. Friends andrelatives are the natural prospects. Those who loveand support you will become your life-time cus-tomers.

Truth: The commercialization of family andfriendship and the use of”’warm leads” advocated inMLM marketing programs are a destructive elementin the community and very unhealthy for individualsinvolved. People do not appreciate being pressured byfriends and relatives to buy products. Trying to capi-talizing upon personal relationships to build a businesscan destroy one’s social foundation.

Lie #7: You can do MLM in your spare time.As a business, it offers the greatest flexibility and personal freedom of time. A few hours a weekcan earn a significant supplemental income and may grow to a very large income, makingother work unnecessary.

Truth: Making money in MLM requires extraor-dinary time commitment as well as considerable per-sonal skill and persistence. Beyond the sheer hardwork and talent required, the business model inherent-ly consumes more areas of one’s life and greater seg-ments of time than most occupations. In MLM, every-one is a prospect. Every waking moment is a potentialtime for marketing. There are no off-limit places, peo-ple, or times for selling. Consequently, there is no freespace or free time once a person enrolls in MLM sys-tem. While claiming to offer independence, the systemcomes to dominate people’s entire life and requiresrigid conformity to the program. This is why so manypeople who become deeply involved end up needingand relying upon MLM desperately. They alienate orabandon other sustaining relationships.

Lie #8. MLM is a positive, supportive newbusiness that affirms the human spirit and per-sonal freedom.

Truth: MLM is largely fear-driven. Solicitationsinevitably include dire predictions about the impend-ing collapse of other forms of distribution, the disinte-gration or insensitivity of corporate America, and thelack of opportunity in other occupations. Many occu-pations are routinely demeaned for notoffering”unlimited income.” Working for others is

cast as enslavement for “losers.” MLM is presented asthe last best hope for many people. This approach, inaddition to being deceptive, frequently discouragespeople who otherwise would pursue their own uniquevisions of success and happiness. A sound businessopportunity does not have to base its worth on nega-tive predictions and warnings.

Lie #9. MLM is the best option for owningyour own business and attaining real economicindependence.

Truth: MLM is not true self-employment.“Owning” an MLM distributorship is an illusion.Some MLM companies forbid distributors to carryother companies’ products. Most MLM contractsmake termination of the distributorship easy andimmediate for the company. Short of termination,downlines can be taken away arbitrarily. Participationrequires rigid adherence to a “duplication” model, notindependence and individuality. MLM distributors arenot entrepreneurs but joiners in a complex hierarchicalsystem over which they have little control.

Lie #10: MLM is not a pyramid schemebecause products are sold.

Truth: The sale of products does not protectagainst anti-pyramid-scheme laws or unfair tradepractices set forth in federal and state law. MLM is alegal form of business only under rigid conditions setforth by the FTC and state attorneys general. ManyMLMs are violate these guidelines and operate onlybecause they have not been prosecuted. Recent courtrulings are using a 70% rule to determine an MLM’slegality: At least 70% of all goods sold by the MLMcompany must be purchased by nondistributors. Thisstandard would place most MLM companies outsidethe law. The largest MLM acknowledges that only18% of its sales are made to nondistributors.

Accountability NeededAn FTC trade regulation rule that forces honest

disclosure of potential MLM distributor income isdesperately needed. Toward this end, Pyramid SchemeAlert has launched a petition drive urging the FTC toforce multilevel companies to disclose the true incomeof their distributors. The requested data wouldinclude: (a) the total number of distributors involvedin the company for at least three years (or since thecompany’s founding if less than three years); (b) theaverage incomes of all distributors who have signedup for a distributorship by percentiles, not just theones deemed “active”; and (c) a “weighted” overallaverage income of all distributors so that the extraor-dinary high incomes of the small number at the top arenot calculated in with vast majority so as to give amore statistically valid figure.

_________________Mr. FitzPatrick consults and writes about trends in

manufacturer/distributor relationships. He founded and ispresident of Pyramid Scheme Alert, a consumer advoca-cy group focused on exposing and preventing pyramidschemes. He has served as an expert witness in severalcases involving pyramid schemes and MLM companies.He writings include False Profits (a book about MLMdeception) and “Pyramid Nation” (a booklet that lamentsthe growth and “legalization” of pyramid schemes.)

1665 Euclid Ave inside Ebony Beauty Supply

The San Diego Monitor Page 9SAN DIEGO MONITOR

1/2 off onTuesday

On all services except Weave’s1ST set of eyelashes $5500

We have new brazlian& indian hair 100% sold here. Stylist Wanted. Walk-ins Welcome

Micro braids, Corn rows & Kinky twist.

Eyelash extension 2 for $99.00 Hair extension $149.99

NEW FAM MART 54TH & EL-CAJON

SUIT SAN DIEGO

4360 54TH ST. SPACE #119

SAN DIEGO CA. 92115

STORE (619) 264-2511

Voted

Best Salon 2010

Suit $9999Comes with Free Shirt

Tie, Hanke and Belt

All Shoes $3999

Derby Hat $3999

Budget-Conscious States Rethink Food Stamp Ban for Drug FelonsBy Marjorie ValbrunAmerica’s Wire

WASHINGTON—When the landmark wel-fare reform law was enacted in 1996, the politicalrallying cry was “ending welfare as we know it.”Today, a move is underway to rescind some of thelaw’s punitive measures, such as provisions thatpermit states to deny welfare benefits and foodstamps to people convicted of felony drug crimes.

These provisions were intended to prevent sell-ing or trading food stamps for drugs, butwidespread budget deficits and steep recidivismrates are prompting state governments that enforcethe benefit bans to rethink the policy amid highunemployment and escalating prison costs. NewJersey and South Dakota are the latest states toreverse course and allow drug felons to receivepublic assistance.

Advocates for former felons are seizing themoment to make the case that the restrictions arecounterproductive in tough economic times, andthey are urging state and congressional lawmakersto remove the benefits ban. Convicted felons havedifficulty getting jobs even in good economictimes, and public assistance and food stamps arecritical income supports during the transition fromprison, the advocates say.

“When individuals with drug convictions aredenied food stamps and cash benefits, establishingeconomic stability upon reentry becomes more dif-ficult, and it becomes more likely that they mayreturn to criminal activity and drug use instead ofmaintaining sobriety and obtaining gainfulemployment,” says Elizabeth Farid, deputy direc-tor of the Legal Action Center’s National H.I.R.E.Network.

The network seeks to increase job opportuni-ties for those with criminal records, advocating forending public policies and employment practicesthat further penalize felons who have served theirtime.

Opponents of the restrictions say the ban hasdisproportionately affected women and people ofcolor, who are more likely than whites to be

charged and convicted for drug crimes.Many states have opted out of the law banning

drug felons from the Supplemental NutritionAssistance Program (SNAP), as the food stampprogram is now called, and Temporary Assistancefor Needy Families (TANF), the welfare program.Other states have modified the bans and madethem less punitive. Because the federal govern-ment fully funds food stamps, allowing felons toreceive them does not burden state budgets.

Ten states still have the food stamp ban.Lawmakers in three of them—West Virginia,Missouri, and Delaware—have proposed legisla-tion that would remove the ban. Eleven statesmaintain the TANF ban.

In Georgia, where the 67 percent recidivismrate is one of the highest in the country and wheremore than 50,000 people are in its state prisonfacilities, lawmakers have maintained the ban.

Democratic State Sen. Emanuel Jones, chair-man of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus,introduced a bill during the last session that pro-posed restoring eligibility for food stamp and wel-fare benefits for drug felons who had served theirtime. “It didn’t get any traction at all,” he says,adding that he plans to introduce a measure thisyear proposing restoration just of food stamp ben-efits. Regarding its prospects, however, Jones says,“I think the chances are very slim.”

“We lock up a lot of people here, and we appar-ently want to keep them there,” he says, referringto the high recidivism rate.

Henrie Treadwell, director of CommunityVoices and Men’s Health Initiative at theMorehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, is opti-mistic that the benefits will eventually be restoredfor former felons. Her program works to improveaccess to health care and other services for thosetransitioning from prison.

“I serve on the Georgia Board of Corrections,and everything that I see and hear says we aremoving in that direction,” says Treadwell, who isalso a research professor at Morehouse’sDepartment of Community Health & Preventive

Medicine. “Our new governor has made reductionof recidivism one of his priorities. Now the ques-tion becomes how far we will go.”

On the national front, proponents of sentencingreforms are actively lobbying Congress to repealthe bans. Two pieces of legislation to do that havebeen introduced in Congress but have not moved.Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., introduced H.R. 329,which has eight co-sponsors and would repeal thefood stamp ban, and Rep. André Carson, D-Ind.,introduced H.R. 3053, which would repeal theTANF ban and has 19 co-sponsors.

“What we see all too often are restrictions thatfail to promote public safety, that frequently runcounter to integrating formerly incarcerated peopleinto the community and that are based on politicalposturing rather than behaviorally based analysis,”Marc Mauer, executive director of The SentencingProject, told a House Judiciary subcommittee lastJune.

He also noted that the ban does not apply topeople convicted of murder, armed robbery, rapeor child abuse.

“This ban disproportionately affects womenand children, by far the overwhelming proportionof recipients of such benefits,” Mauer said at thehearing. “The impact of the ban means that awoman returning home from prison who may gaintemporary employment but is then laid off duringa recession is left with no safety net. And further,children are essentially punished for the acts oftheir parents.”

Although children of felons remain eligible toreceive public assistance, restrictions for felonsmean that benefits decline for an entire household.

“It’s unrealistic to think that the restriction willonly reduce the quality of life of the parent whilemaintaining the rest of the family’s overall level ofcomfort,” Farid says.

Celia Cole, a senior policy analyst at the Centerfor Public Policy Priorities in Austin, Texas, hasbeen working on this issue since 1999. During thattime, six bills proposing that food stamp benefitsbe provided to ex-felons were introduced and died

in the state legislature. With state reintegration programs for former

inmates being cut for budgetary reasons, Cole saidshe hopes that budget-conscious lawmakers willgive new legislation a better reception.

“Our position has always been that food assis-tance is critical to successful re-integration intosociety,” she says. “We see being able to feedthemselves as way to being able to rebuild theirlives.”

But Texas lawmakers, and those in other polit-ically conservative states that support the restric-tions, tend to take a dim view of entitlement pro-grams and an even dimmer view of criminals.

“We’re a pull-yourself-up-by-the-bootstrapstate, so there’s limited support for food stamps tobegin with,” Cole says. “There’s also this knee-jerk reaction to people with felony drug convic-tions. Lawmakers don’t want to appear soft oncrime.”

Outraged lawmakers originally pushed for thelifetime ban because some food stamp recipients,though not the majority, traded stamps for drugs orsold them to obtain money for drugs. But foodstamp benefits are now distributed electronicallyand accessed with a debit card that makes sellingor trading benefits more difficult.

Unlike old food stamp coupon books, the elec-tronic cards can be traced, leading to substantiallyless fraud and abuse nationally. In 2008, for exam-ple, Texas reported no instances of food stampfraud, Cole says.

“Who are we to say, ‘You made a mistake. Youpaid your debt to society. We’re letting you re-enter society, but you can’t eat’?” she adds. “Itdoesn’t make sense.”

(Stories from America’s Wire are available freeof charge for publication by websites, newspapers,news wires and other media outlets. To see more ofour stories, please visit our website at www.amer-icaswire.org. America’s Wire is made possiblethrough a grant from the W. K. KelloggFoundation. For more information, contactMichael K. Frisby at 202-625-4328.)

Page 10 The San Diego MonitorSAN DIEGO MONITOR

LICENSED GENERAL CONTRACTOR OFFERING

THE FOLLOWING CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

THROUGHOUT SAN DIEGO COUNTY.

• Room Additions & Remodeling

• Bathrooms & Kitchen

Remodels• Rooting• Framing

• Hardy Siding

• Windows & Doors• Drywall• Interior Wall Alterations• Popcorn Ceiling Removal

• Dry Rot Repair

• Laminate Flooring

• Tile• Painting• Wood Decks

• Patio Additions

• Concrete• Retaining Walls• Decorative Rock• Build Sheds

• Stucco

Contact Bernardo Mendoza at

(619) 756-3649 for a FREE ESTIMATE.General Contractor License # 952988

Hours9am-6pm.Tue-Sat.

We Specialize in Kids Haircuts

XTREME KUTZ STUDIO4115 HOME AVE. STE.C - (619) 231-2690

All barber style cuts. Beautian availble perms, flatiron, weaves,braids also eyelashes.

The San Diego Monitor Page 11SAN DIEGO MONITOR

Page 12 The San Diego MonitorSAN DIEGO MONITOR

The San Diego Monitor Page 13SAN DIEGO MONITOR

Page 14 The San Diego MonitorSAN DIEGO MONITOR

Operation: Government Shutdown. 48 hours left

What more is there to be said?The deficit is Real; theunwilling compromise

between both political parties is Real;and the shutdown that will hurt 14,000staffers (including myself) here inWashington, D.C is Real. What started asan innocuous rumor has now trans-formed into a monumental catastrophe.Our country is facing a current deficit of$1.27 trillion. What is going on, if youhave not been aware, is the passing of anew budget plan for fiscal year 2011.This budget will plan to reflect the needsof American citizens everywhere: Jobcreation, healthcare, social security, etc.But what we have now, from both politi-cal parties—which does not come to anysurprise---is a stalemate: the debaclebetween Democrats and Republicans.Here are the key players who are negoti-ating the bill that you need to recognize:President Obama—the sponsor of this budget plan; Senator Reid (D)—Majority Leader of theDemocratic Party; and John Boehner (R)—House Speaker. As House Speaker, John Boehnerhas the power to control the agenda of the house—simplistically speaking he controls theHouse. As I mentioned before, all bills whether be budget plans, healthcare, etc. must passthrough both the House floor and Senate floor. And the key quintessential element for pass-ing any plan into law is having your political party control majority rule in both the Houseand Senate. It doesn’t matter what bill passes just as long it serves the needs of the politicalparty and its constituents. Republicans control the House—as Dems controls the Senate—under the faithful leadership of John Boehner. Both houses must approve this plan and if onehouse does not then we may see a governmental shutdown. Let me reiterate this point,“Government will shut down, If And Only If, this budget plan does not pass throughcongress.

So what’s the “block in the road?” The block is that John Boehner (along with his fellowRepublicans) has proposed a one-week spending resolution that will include a “$12 billion incuts and would fund the Pentagon for the rest of the year” (Washington Post, April 7,2011).What Senate Democrats are saying about it is that it doesn’t reflect any “commonground” between them and it also contains “an unrelated provision to ban federal and localgovernment funding for abortions in the District” (Washington Post, April 7th 2011).Frankly—what it comes down to it—it is the philosophy of “my way or the highway.”Senator Reid (D) has said that, “We’ve been more than reasonable, more than fair”—in termsof negations (Washington Post, April 7th 2011). And because of this, the Senate Democrats(Senate House) will vote against Boehner’s proposal, a strategic political manuever to allowthe GOP to blame themselves if the government does shutdown. In the end both political par-ties will suffer the consequences for not working together as one legislative body. SenatorReid and John Boehner will continue their discussions with Pres. Obama to reach a finalagreement and until then our country will have to sit and wait --Friday 12:00am. A decisionthat may flip our country upside down. New stories will soon develop.

Church coalition supports

suit against Wal-MartWASHINGTON, D.C.—The National

Black Church Initiative (NBCI) strongly sup-ports the class-action lawsuit brought by femaleWal-Mart employees. This case represents thelargest such gender lawsuit in history and high-lights Wal-Mart’s systemic discriminatory prac-tices.

Lawyers for women suing the nation’slargest retailer built their case on affidavitsfrom more than 100 workers and a statisticalmodel showing that while women make up 80percent of the company’s hourly workers, theyaccount for only 30 percent of its managers.They allege pay discrepancies, unequal promo-tion policies and a male-dominated manage-ment. NBCI abhors discrimination in any formand stands by these women to seek justice.

As a national organization committed toeradicating racial disparities, we reached out toWal-Mart to create a strategic partnership. As acorporate giant, Wal-Mart has the resources andscope to enact real change nationwide and wewere eager to enact programming to benefitAfrican Americans.

Unfortunately, we came to discover thatWal-Mart’s priority was to brutally crush com-petition and exploit their workers, especiallyminority women. We refuse to partner with anorganization whose commitment to theiremployees and the community is so easily bro-ken—Wal-Mart should be forced to adhere tothe standards that we as Americans deserve.

Wal-Mart has proven to be a company resis-tant to innovation within its work force andcommunity. Their primary motivation is prof-

it—at any cost. They undermine small busi-nesses while maximizing their own profit mar-gins. Despite the fact that their profit marginsare wide, they are unwilling to compensatetheir employees fairly.

The church is appalled that Wal-Mart wouldmake its profits on the backs of women andchildren by systematically underpaying them,degrading their human spirit.”

NBCI urges the Supreme Court to upholdthe rights of these women, women who in aneffort to support themselves and their familieshave been subjected to discrimination andexploitation. We will fight to achieve justiceand hold Wal-Mart accountable for its actions.

The National Black Church Initiative(NBCI) is a coalition of 34,000 AfricanAmerican and Latino churches working to erad-icate racial disparities in healthcare, technolo-gy, education, housing and the environment.NBCI’s mission is to provide critical wellnessinformation to all of its members, congregants,churches and the public. The NBCI’s methodol-ogy is utilizing faith and sound health science.The National Black Church Initiative’s purposeis to partner with major organizations and offi-cials whose main mission is to reduce racialdisparities in the variety of areas cited above.NBCI offers faith-based, out-of-the-box andcutting-edge solutions to stubborn economicand social issues. NBCI’s programs are gov-erned by credible statistical analysis, science-based strategies and techniques, and methodsthat work. Visit our website at www.nalt-blackchurch.com.

To contact me via email: princesefab@gmail.com and follow me on Facebook.

You May Have too Much DebtBut You Also Have Options

If you feel like you're in over your head withpersonal debt, you're not alone. Millions ofAmericans have become overextended, manyas a result of easy credit and the recessions.Credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, andraising interest rates do not make a good finan-cial mix.

The five strategies you may want to avoid:The first piece of advice from experts in the

field is to be sure you don't make your situationworse by making common mistakes. In partic-ular:

1. Beware of just paying the minimum pay-ments on your debts. This will result in youroverall debt actually growing and your prob-lems will only become worse.

2. Beware of relying on friends and family,as it could damage relationships with the mostimportant people in your life.

3. Beware of unscrupulous credit counselorsthat demand cash upfront or high fees for helpthey promise, but don't deliver.

4. Avoid taking out a new high-interest loanto pay off lower interest rate loans. It may beeasier to just have one payment, but it will actu-ally increase the amount you have to pay back.

5. Declaring bankruptcy when debt settle-ment may work for you.

Debt Settlement or Bankruptcy?Two common solutions people turn to are

debt settlement and bankruptcy. Generally, ifyou are struggling with a financial hardship andare behind or falling behind on your minimumpayments, then debt settlement may be right for

you. If your situation is more dire, then youmay consider bankruptcy.

However, bankruptcy is a serious step withlong term implications for you and your finan-cial future. Most experts would suggest it onlyas a last resort. The better course of action is toattempt to work through your debt issue withyour creditors, and this is where debt settlementcompanies can help.

What is Debt Settlement?You may have heard companies advertising

recently that they can settle your debt for lessthan what you owe. Is this process legitimate?

Working with a debt settlement companycould actually be a great solution for many peo-ple struggling with a financial hardship. Debtsettlement is the process of negotiating withyour creditors to get them to reduce a potion ofyour debt. Specialty settlement companiesdetermine a reasonable monthly amount thatyou can afford to pay, which is based on totalamount owed. You make your affordable pay-ment every month into a special purposeaccount, and as these funds accumulate, the set-tlement company reaches out to creditors tonegotiate a final actual settlement amount foryou. Typically these companies have excellentrelationships with creditors and are negotiatingon behalf of thousands of people every day.

So, how do you find a legitimate and trust-worthy debt settlement company to work with?A great way to start is by visiting Freedom DebtRelief for a free, no-obligation consultation toevaluate your options.

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Bob Filner, Ranking Democratic Member (D-CA) of theHouse Committee on Veterans’Affairs, reintroduced legislation that would further the goal of end-ing veteran homelessness in five years.

“We know the Department of Veterans Affairs has many programs to address currently home-less veterans, and they do a great job. However, the most important piece to ending homelessnessamong the nation’s veteran population is to prevent it in the first place. It is unacceptable that evenone of our veterans sleep on the streets or in shelters after risking their lives on behalf of this coun-try. H.R. 806 will go a long way in strengthening our efforts to ultimately end homelessness,” saidCongressman Filner.

According to recent reports, approximately one-third of the adult homeless population served inthe Armed Services. Population estimates also suggest that about 131,000 veterans are homeless onany given night and perhaps twice as many experience homelessness at some point during thecourse of a year.

This bill increases funding to successful programs for homeless veterans; requires each VA med-ical center that provides supporting housing services to provide housing counselors; requires hous-ing counselors to conduct landlord research; strengthens permanent housing programs, and paysspecial interest to the needs of homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children.

Congressman Filner Introduces Legislation to Eliminate Veteran Homelessness

The San Diego Monitor Page 15SAN DIEGO MONITORThe San Diego Monitor

Page 16 The San Diego MonitorSAN DIEGO MONITOR

San Diego MonitorEditorial Staff

Publisher and EditorDr. Willie Morrow

Associate PublisherGloria Morrow

Associate AdministratorCheryl Morrow

News and Legal Editor Virgie Johnson

News and Copy Editor Delsa D. Dixon

Beauty Photographer Forney Johnson

Business Photographer Charles Rossell

News and PhotosRochelle Porter

Advertisement and SalesHaywood X

ColumnistsDr. Carrol Waymon – Human

Interest

Johnathan Harris – Political

Rachael Russell – Finance and Business

Rebecca Christian – Issues and Answers

Circulation Manager Antonio Vasquez

San Diego Monitor News3570 Olive Street, Lemon Grove, CA 91945

(619) 668-1007SDMnews@aol.com

Where We Care About Your Hair

Pecolia Vance

We will match our competitors Prices

we have all your beauty Supplies!!

Located in The Wrigley’s Shopping center

We Carry Willie Morrow Productswww.gloriasberlinbeautysupply.com

Wig’s 100% Human and Synthetic, weaving hair and hair for braiding

Gloria’s BerlinBeautySupply

38 B, N. Euclid AveSan Diego CA

(619) 263-4417

Position Available:

Executive Pastor Bayview Baptist Church

at 6134 Benson Ave. San Diego 92114

The Executive Pastor is to serve the church by coordi-nating and implementing the program of the church,working under the direction of the Senior Pastor andpartnering with him to translate the vision of the SeniorPastor into measurable goals and for creating systemsand environments that will help the staff and congrega-tion carry out the vision. Establish strategic directionand priorities for ministries within the church, developnew programs in keeping with established goals, maxi-mize the effectiveness of present programs, and giveleadership to program staff, members and volunteersinvolved in ministries. This position requires a mini-mum of 10-15 years of experiences in a leadership rolethat gives relevant experience to the Executive Pastorrole. Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology,Organizational Management, or other related area.Master’s work in Biblical studies is a plus. Forward cover letter and resume to: Bayview BaptistChurch Business Office Attn: Business Manager

Position is open until filled

The San Diego Monitor Page 17SAN DIEGO MONITOR

Local: James(619) 262-1830

www.socalcbc.com

California Black Campers – SoCal4-Day Jamboree 2011

Page 18 The San Diego MonitorSAN DIEGO MONITOR

661199--770022--00880000

Cash for Gold Scam

Beware of Scams & Rip Offs!A couple years back, I was almost caught by a

cash for gold scam. I’m not alone. Lots of the cashfor gold companies are a RIP OFF! I created thissite to put all the complaints and cash for gold scamwarnings in one place. You can view all the latestcomplaints http://cashforgoldscams.com/latest-scams.php

I also have linked to websites that have test-ed cash for gold companies and provide inde-pendent reviews if you are looking for a safeplace to sell your gold.

There is also Gold News, as well as a descrip-tion of how selling gold online works. It’s prettysimple if you don’t use a scam company, but itshould be a helpful guide for you.

Here are a few excerpts from our latest Cashfor Gold scam reports:

“Cash for Gold Scam - Are Gold Parties ReallyJust a Cash for Gold Scam? Gold selling parties aregetting more popular every day. Are these partiesreally a good place to sell your gold or are they cashfor gold scams that you should definitely avoid?”

“Maybe you saw the Cash 4 Gold Super Bowlcommercial, the one with MC Hammer and Ed

McMahon. Maybe it occurred to you that there hasto be a catch. Would someone who receives yourgold in the mail actually give you a decent price?Of course not. With Cash 4 Gold you’ll be lucky toget a third the price you’d receive at a pawn shop.”

“Kathy McGovern of Sugar Grove, Illinois stat-ed, “I sent my jewelry into Cash4Gold including a14 Karat Gold Ring with a quarter diamond, a 14Karat Gold Chain and Cross, a 14 Karat Bracelet. Iweighed my before I sent it in and it came to 1.8ozs. I received $98 dollars for them. By the time Ireceived the check t was too late to get my jewelryback. It’s really a shame in these economic timesthat company would bluntly rip people off.” Herentire testimonial can be read here.”

“I want to share a story, I learned the hard wayand hope to help others. This is also an update tomy guide about scammers and PayPal. After sellinga gold coin I learned of this scam/rip-off setup.Here’s how the scam works. This guy stole a cred-it card account and registered as that person witheBay. He even used the correct address on theaccount because eBay requires that the registrationand credit card billing address match.”

Meet Gertrude Hadley Jeannette,New York City’s 1st female cab driverBY MICHAEL J. FEENEYDAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

The city's first female cab driv-er remembered her first day on thejob like it was yesterday - and shewasn't exactly welcomed with openarms.

Instead, Gertrude HadleyJeannette, 96, started with a bang.

"Stupid me. [I] pulled up infront of the Waldorf-Astoria," theHarlem pioneer said. "In those daysthey didn't allow black drivers towork downtown. You had to workuptown."

But Jeannette was more than acabbie. She was also an actor, who had a 70-yearcareer that included theater, television andmovies. She also founded the H.A.D.L.E.YPlayers, a theater club based in Harlem.

For those accomplishments, she was honoredTuesday by the Coalition of Theatres of Color atthe Dwyer Cultural Center on St. Nicholas Ave.and W. 123th St.

But Jeannette's first day cruising the city stillstood out.

She instantly got the attention of the otherdrivers in front of the swanky Park Ave. hotel,who were clearly irritated that a black cabbie haddared to venture downtown.

"The drivers tried to hem me in," she recalled."They said, 'Say buddy, you know you're not sup-posed to be on this line.'"

But Jeannette didn't budge. She sat calmly inher cab with her hair neatly tucked under her hatas other driver's verbally harassed her.

Then a cabbie in a green Checker cab tried tocut in front of her. Finally, she'd had enough.

"I rammed my fender under his fender, swungit over to the right and ripped it!" she said.

She broke her silence, telling the angry driver:"You tried to cut in front of me, I couldn't stop."

Her sweet voice prompted the irate cabbie toyell out, "A woman driver! A woman driver!"

A hack inspector was already at the scene andscolded both drivers before she got her first cus-tomer at the hotel.

"I took him down to Wall Street," she remembered."I wasn't a tough cab driver. I was just a cab driver."

But Jeannette, who started driving duringWorld War II when there was a shortage of maledrivers, continued to drive until 1949 when shegot her first big acting gig on Broadway in theplay "Lost in the Stars."

She said being a cab driver didn't totally pre-pare her for the lights of Broadway, but it did help.

"It made a writer out of me," she said. "I metso many interesting people. I wrote a play aboutone . . . So many interesting stories."

mfeeney@nydailynews.com

Gertrude Hadley Jeannette (at 96) who wascity's first female cab driver. Pictured above isher taxi permit from the late '40s. (NYDN)

The San Diego Monitor Page 19SAN DIEGO MONITOR

To send Letters to theEditor call or emailThe San Diego Monitor:

sdmnews@aol.com • 619-668-1007

Many people get caught up on the outward trappings of an indi-vidual. We try to fit all the other important character traits into a super-ficial package after we’ve allowed looks to be our primarily focus. Weget caught up on body size, height, smell, eye color, voice. Then wetend to look at what car he drives and the job he has. After we get thosethings locked in we try to shove in, kindness, tenderness, respect, self-lessness, and a sprinkling of “he goes to church” as an afterthought,while all the while crossing our fingers, saying, “I hope. I hope he real-ly has those traits”. For some strange reason we’ve allowed the out-ward trapping to become our Achilles heel, that which trips us up, thatwhich exposes our most vulnerable part, our heart and jacks it up to theutmost. It is only when we can separate the superficial and seek out theinner person that we will begin to establish and remain in stable rela-tionships. If we change our focus it is then that we will see the divorcerate drop. It’s a sad day when the divorce rate amongst Christian havepassed that of non-Christians. There is something extremely wrong with that!

Here’s what I am getting at. The character traits I spoke of in the early part of this article, where a fireis concerned, would be considered kindling. Kindling is the stuff that is used to start the fire, but if all thefire had was kindling, it would burn out immediately and that, beloved, is exactly what we are experi-encing in relationships today. We have built relationships on external trappings and failed to build themon internal longevity. In order for a fire to burn for long periods of time you need logs. Logs in the char-acter realm are the following: the intent of the heart, the actions shown over a consistent period of time,how one treats you, an individual’s willingness to accept their responsibilities, an individual’s desire toseek your best, an individual’s active traits that doesn’t simply declare, “I am a Christian”, but shows itby their very actions, an individual’s ability to deal with disappointment, handle difficult situations, anindividual’s commitment to provide, protect, and respect.

From a provision stand point, is the man willing to work two jobs to ensure that the family is provid-ed for? Someone just said, “Oh she’s old fashioned. Men don’t have to work like that women can and docontribute”. See you jumped the gun. The statement isn’t that he has to, the question is, is he willing to ifhe finds a need to? On a side note -please don’t underscore or despise the contributions of a stay at homemother, she is contributing in a large way and is extremely invaluable to the development of the next gen-eration.

From a protection stand point, is the man willing to lay down his life for you if necessary? Wow! Aprotector ensures no harm comes to the one placed in his protective care. This means as well as her phys-ical form he also protects her heart. He doesn’t cheat on her, beat her, insult her, embarrass her, or takeher for granted.

The truth about these qualities is you must take the time to get to know the person you are spendingtime with. You must experience this person in various surroundings. If he has children, how does he treatthem? Provide for them? How does he treat you around his friends? Other women? You can fake somethings over a short period of time and if we realize shortness can deceive we will slow down and makecalculated informed decisions about our future. If we are really honest with ourselves and each other, weare given the opportunity to know the person in our midst we simple choose to ignore the warning signs.

Another reality is this, the only way you can truly assess a person is to do so with a level head. Ladieslet’s face it once sex enters into the equation, we tend to lose all realm of reason. We go death, dumb, andblind. Try this and prove me right or wrong. When you encounter a man you are attracted to, don’t givethe milk for free, with hold yourself. Now you have to really be committed to this because you can’t belevel headed for a couple months or weeks. You have to maintain a platonic relationship for a long peri-od of time, preferably until your wedding night, in order for you to truly know another person’s charac-ter. From personal experience I have learned when you remain both commit to remaining celibate you getthe opportunity to clearly hear what he says. Your brain doesn’t seem as twisted, it prepared to hear andaccept the truth about the person you are considering a relationship with. The warning signs are glaring,so glaring you have to cut it off in order for you to be able to breathe again.

Now are looks important? I am not suggesting that there isn’t a place for them I am suggesting thatlooks cannot be the only standard for which you set for a relationship, with the internal traits being sec-ondary. I submit to you, that if a man as described with the internal traits entered your life, looks wouldbe the secondary consideration, if at all.

Just Keeping It Real With Angela HarrisAre Looks the Litmus Test to a Successful Relationship?

“Senior Discount” “Free Estimates”

Superior Quality Company!!

“The Best Quality Service Under the Sun”

• Power Washing & Cleaning Services• Total Landscape Services & Clean-Ups• Sprinkler Systems Installation & Repair• Drainage & Gutter Cleaning Services• All Tree Services• Pesticide Spraying• Regular Landscape Maintenance• and Much More

Serving All of San Diego760-774-0959 or

Call Daniel (619) 758-2006• Residential • Commercial • Industrial

Page 20- MAY 9, 2009 The San Diego MonitorSAN DIEGO MONITOR

Visit Website: www.bossaebank.com

SUPPORT BUSINESS IN OUR COMMUNITY

LONG’S HEATING & AC 619-987-7884

The San Diego Monitor - Page 21SAN DIEGO MONITOR

EACH WEEK THE SAN DIEGO MONITOR WILL PUBLISH THEM

Hand Wash $12.00Detail exterior and Interior Wheels and Rims 95.00 per car.

Includes clay and wax. SUV’s extra.

Lee W. Wright

Owner

Imperial Ave. @ 50th

San Diego, CA 92114

619-851-6019

Eye 2 Eye with Carrol Waymon

April 07, 2011 - Forty-three years ago today thewhole world was in shock and a state of nationalparalysis as we all watched and listened to the newsthat Martin Luther King, Jr had been killed while offi-cially visiting with Union workers in Memphis Tenn.The year was 1968.

San Diego in 1968 was in the midst of its socialrevolution as were so many other cities and towns.This writer was the Executive Director of TheCitizens Interracial Committee (CIC), the officialHuman Relations Agency for the City of San Diego,and was just beginning to launch one of its majorcommunity interaction programs for bringing peoplesof all races and creeds and religions together for cre-ating a better San Diego for everyone.

Many activities revolving around King’s messageand mission were already in operation at the time ofhis death and we here just as others throughout thiscountry and the world were simply devastated by hisdeath and especially because of how he was killed.

That was 43 years ago today and all over theworld celebrations are being held in his honor at thismoment.

But one of the reasons for the specific message ofthis article is this: I was the official City of SanDiego’s special Representative to Dr. Kings’ Funeralin Atlanta, Ga. And it around one of his special con-cerns that we dedicate this article: that of eliminatingWars and Killing human beings

THE UNITED STATES LAUNCHES STILLANOTHER WAR

As reported in this space and in so many otherplaces over the past few years, we, the United States,have been involved in more wars since 1769 than anyother country or nation-state in the whole world. Andjust last month we “did it again.” We spear-headed thenow new war against Libya, two weeks ago!

Dr. King would have condemned our action andthat of our partners or supporters. It seems “so obvi-ous” to some, but not to others of course, that killingother human beings is simply not only wrong butsenseless as well. To Dr. King it was obvious and still

is today to millions ofothers all over theworld.

Yet it may soundstrange, but it is “equally obvious tomillions of others”,officials and laymen,all over the world thathunting down andkilling other human beings is O.K., honorable, “nec-essary” and even mandated by their Holy books. So tothese, this whole discussion is simply “crazy talk.”

NO LONGER ARE THE OLD RATIONALES“RATIONAL”

Until a few decades ago- since King’s death- therewas little official talk among world leaders about find-ing a realistic basis for ending wars, because only the“big” powerful nations had the means to continue tobuild the required “war-time “ war supportingmachinery and economy necessary to maintain fight-ing others of equal capability. Now that some otherlittle and big countries have the nuclear capabilities tocompete, it is now time to seriously consider “out-lawing” such human behavior.

But it is still not so easy to get these conversationsgoing among these big powers. Dr. King was not con-cerned about all these technical questions of “readi-ness“etc. His position was then as it is now among somany others, one of “Rightness” and Morality: killingother human beings is simply wrong and againstGod’s will and Being. Period. Regardless of whichreligion one believes in, to King it was wrong!

Today, without going into all the religious historyand philosophy, it is time to declare war “off-limits”and begin to prepare to eliminate the very concept ofkilling other human beings!

Forty-three years today, Dr. King was killed.We should still preach his sermon and stop all warsnow! And KEEP HIS DREAM ALIVE. Until nextweek remember: Stopping wars begins with us. Meand you!

SAN DIEGO AND KING’S ASSASSINATION

FORTY THREE YEARS AGO

Do we really need Fluoride in our water?By Dr. Grady P. Anderson, Jr., M.D.

This is a follow up on my article on Water; I will be dis-cussing Fluoridation as this has now been added to the waterof San Diego. This one of the most toxic chemicals known toscience. I mentioned that I was a trained toxicologist prior tomedical school. Well fluoride was a by product of theManhattan Project this was the project to produce theAtomic and Hydrogen bombs that we dropped on Japan toend World War II.

It is known that fluoride causes a brown staining of the teeth but what is not widelyknown is that it causes several other problems. This poison passes into the blood andthen across the blood brain barrier of the infant where it can effect the Pineal Gland,which is called the “master control gland”. The pineal gland secretes certain precur-sors that stimulate each and every gland to create the 87(eighty-seven) known hormonesit. Only 17(seventeen) are involved with sex and reproduction. One of these is mela-tonin, which only secreted at night. Which helps the body to rest and repair itself.Studies have shown that there has been alowering of the age in which young girlsdevelop breast and menstrual flow begins.This is an outward sign that a woman isready for child bearing. Now you wonderwhy children are having children.

Since this is not an essential nutrient itwill remain around in the body for a longtime. It will compete with Calcium, whichis an essential nutrient. When it replaces cal-cium it can cause fractures in children fromtrivial trauma, an increase in hip fracturesand leg stiffness in adults, numbness, and alower IQ in children. In the case of new-borns, the breast milk of mothers contains nofluoride as the first meal for the baby. However, this build up of fluoride can increase inthe bone and can lead to osteogenic sarcomas. This is a primary bone tumor.

There were more problems in newborns and children who lived in cites with fluo-ride treated water. This has been know to biochemist and scientist the world over.Millions of people in India and Africa and China have been harmed or crippled byobtaining phosphates for fertilizer. Fluoride is very toxic to enzymes. A JamesSumner who won the Nobel Prize for his work on Enzyme Chemistry in 1950reported this.

International law forbids the dumping of this compound into the sea. Thenwhy would I want to have it dumped into the water I drink? Now for poor peoplebe they Black, White, Native American or any ethnic group is effected by the inclusionin the water. It is this type of lunacy that the Healthcare plan of that was passed andput forth by the Obama administration. I do not need another poison or toxin in mybody.

Please go to this web site to watch an excellent discussion of this topic.http://www.tuberose.com/Fluoride.html

R E L I G I O U S D I R E C T O RY

Total Deliverance Worship CenterSunday 8:00 am • Sunday 10:45 am • Wednesday 7:00 pm

2774 Sweetwater Spring Blvd.Spring Valley 91977

(619) 670-6208www.totaldeliverance.org

Dr.William A. Benson

and First Lady Rachelle

Y. Benson

6126 Benson Avenue, San Diego, CA 92114619-262-8384 • www.bayviewbc.org

MINISTERDONALD R.

WARNER SR.

Linda Vista Second Baptist Church 2706 Korink Avenue, San Diego, CA 92111 Tel. (858) 277-4008 / Fax (858) 277-8441

Email: second-baptist@sbcglobal.net

Dr. David C. GreeneSr. Pastor

“Welcome to Praise City”

Weekly Order of Service

Sunday:Early Morning Worship 7:45 a.m.Power Hour 9:45 a.m. Mid-day Worship 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday: Noon-Day Bible Study 12:00 p.m. Evening Prayer 7:00 p.m.Bible Study 7:30 p.m.

Page 22 The San Diego MonitorSAN DIEGO MONITOR

To send community notices

& event infromation

please email

The San Diego Monitor:

sdmnews@aol.com or call

619-668-1007

The San Diego Monitor April 9, 2011 - Page 23LEGALS

CALL For the

Best legalRates in Town 619.668.1007

NOTICE OF REQUEST

FOR PROPOSAL

The Neighborhood House Associationrequests proposals for the purchase,lease and installation of TelephoneSystems from qualified vendors.Proposals must be submitted on or before4:00 pm (PST) on May 15, 2011. A pro-posal package with further details may beobtained by visiting www.neighborhood-house.org and clicking on the “Requestfor Proposal” link at the bottom of theHome page or contacting the NHAProcurement Department at (858) 715-2642x183.