1st 0p-Ed

D’Chell Crayton
RESEARCH
MMA 301


By D’Chell Crayton
Americans wonder how they will be safe from the financial crisis they are facing today. Many believe they will have to pay higher taxes; others are worried about employment and benefits and many are concerned about home foreclosures.

Taxpayers may have to pay more taxes because of the plan. Since majority of Americans fall under the poverty line, middle and low income, they are the ones paying more taxes. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, African-Americans have the highest rates of unemployment with 11 percent, reaching double digits for the first time in three years. Since this financial bailout was confirmed and signed, many low and middle income African-Americans face hardships including more taxes to pay for the bailout, less jobs, more home foreclosures and no healthcare. Upper class citizens will not have to worry about their taxes rising unless they are under Sen. Obama’s platform, but lower income citizens are the most concerned due to Sen. McCain’s platform not giving them a break at all.

Of course, jobs should be made available to those who have lost jobs considering they are receiving unemployment checks months after job dismissals. As far as healthcare, if many Americans, specifically middle and lower class Americans lose jobs that provided dental and medical benefits, they will no longer receive those benefits due to loss of employment.

President Bush spoke at a presidential summit in Camp David, MD this past Saturday of ways to fix the financial system. “We will work to strengthen and modernize our nations’ financial systems so we can help ensure that this crisis doesn’t happen again,” Bush said. It’s not about if the crisis will happen again, it’s about how we are going to recover it. Bush can implement ideas and plans for now, but our next elected president can figure out how to keep his country out of any future crises. But lately, I feel the Congress and Bush and his administration have concentrated on the wrong things occurring and not taking care of their people.

After reading the Time article about Van Jones and his commitment to a green economy, this could also be a change for African-Americans. As an African-American activist for American minorities, Jones has led a Green for All movement with plans of convincing the working class and minorities that “building a green economy is the opportunity of a lifetime.” A green economy would leave the economy in less turmoil. This can be achieved through energy efficient cars, recycling, taking shorter showers to save water and even using a water filter to purify tap water are all ways to conserve energy. If all citizens worked together to accomplish the green movement, there is a chance the economy could be saved environmentally.
By saving the economy through the environment, citizens are helping reduce worries and issues that the government will have to solve and include for recovery in the ‘bailout rescues’ like they are doing now.

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WALL STREET

D’Chell Crayton
WALL STREET
MMA 301




By D’Chell Crayton
Give $700 billion to bailout Wall Street or unfreeze credit markets’ lending so people can continue to acquire loans and other positives to restore the United States’ economy?

This is just a semi gist of Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson’s bailout plan which could result in more economic turmoil.

After the bailout bill was passed this past Friday with a vote of 263-171, President George Bush said it will take awhile to see results. Since the bill has already been passed and Bush took no time in signing it, what will be the results and impact of the bill? Bush claims results will “take time to show up in the U.S. economy.”

After reading two other proposed bills, I, personally feel that there are plenty other options that could be added to better Paulson’s bill. Although the first proposed bill was declined, it was modified and now accepted, but I feel it could still be a little modified again.

Congressman Peter DeFazio proposed a bill that I see could have positive outcomes. He suggested that the FDIC implement a “Net Worth Certificate Program,” which would require bank examiners to determine the prospects of banks’ survival whereas Paulson’s plan DeFazio also submitted a “No BAILOUTS plan,” with the acronym BAILOUTS meaning “Bringing Accounting, Increased Liquidity, Oversight and Upholding Taxpayer Security.”

Also, while scanning across the “stock-injection plan” it seemed like a good idea as well. This plan would inject capital into ailing firms, allowing the government and taxpayers’ ownership share in firms equal to amount of their investment; this also means they become stockholders and owners of banks.

In agreement with Sen. Barack Obama, taxpayers should receive share gains when the economy recovers since it’s their (our) money in the first place. Taxpayers may have to pay more taxes because of the plan. Of course, jobs should be made available to those who have lost jobs considering they are receiving unemployment checks months after job dismissals. As far as healthcare, if many Americans, specifically middle and lower class Americans lose jobs that provided dental and medical benefits, they will no longer receive those benefits due to loss of employment.

Since 55% of Americans say the government should be responsible for the bailout plan, the help and opinions of others could possibly bring about new ideas for a better, modified plan.

The economy could possibly turn in the right direction if the bill would have been modified with different circumstances. Lending would be restored; more jobs and healthcare would be available. In contrast to Paulson’s plan which would not help housing due to credit availability and jobs would not be available.

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Tornado Hits Atlanta

The City of Atlanta experienced a tornado that knocked out power in certain areas of Downtown Atlanta.

Friday, March 14, 2008, heavy thunderstorms prompted a tornado that hit and collapsed the roof of the Georgia Dome. Numerous people inside were injured where Mississippi State and the University of Alabama played in the Southeastern Conference Tournament basketball game.

The tornado also damaged homes, buildings and left students of Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College and Morehouse College without power for two days.

The following counties were under severe tornado watch as well as a flash flood warning: Clayton, Carroll, Dekalb, Fulton, Macon and Fayette. More bad weather is expected.
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Delta Charges For Second Bag

By D’Chell Crayton

ATLANTA- Due to is fuel costs, Delta Air Lines plans to begin charging customers an extra $25 – or $50 a round trip – for checking a second bag.

The new charge will go in effect May 1, following moves by other carriers to add similar fees for transporting a second piece of luggage, which previously has been included in the ticket.

Delta spokesman Kent Landers said “The change is due to rising fuel costs and … the changing competitive environment we face today.” Delta estimated that its fuel will generate about $100 million in cost savings per year, according to the Associated Press.

Landers declined to say how much money Delta expects to generate from the new fee.

Last week, Delta announced it plans to cut about 2,000 jobs and to ground dozens of jets to reduce its domestic flying 10 percent.

Delta Chief Executive Richard Anderson said, “ We’re anticipating that our fuel costs will increase by somewhere between $1 [billion] to $2 billion year-over-year, so we’re going to take steps to rapidly work to cover those costs.”

FULL REPORT: Check out Delta’s story

Tavis Quits Tom Joyner Show

Tavis Smiley quits Tom Joyner Show due to personal obligations and projects.

Sounds believable! The Tom Joyner Show takes up too much of his time; Smiley is also a host on PBS, has his own show on BET and has written numerous books; sounds busy. Smiley has worked with the Tom Joyner Show for twelve years, even if he wanted to retire, this could be a great time!

Image: Smiley (far right) & Joyner (Middle)

Addressing the situation, he might have hatred from the black community because Smiley is not a supporter of Obama’s absence from the “State of the Black Union.” Didn’t the rest of the black community feel a little betrayed by Obama’s absence? “Tavis loves black people. You and I know that,” states Joyner on the show. So, is Obama the first and probably only person Smiley does not like? I refuse to believe. Smiley does not have to give someone credit when it’s not earned.

Since Barack is black, he should have all black supporters; no! This is where voting occurs; you vote for whomever you feel will be the best representative and leader of the United States. Not saying Tavis is voting for Barack or not, but he does have his own feelings and opinions; he does not have to be a Barack fan.

Now, for Tom to state that Smiley quit due to hatred building up from the black community was wrong and conniving. Why would Tom say that? After twelve years of collaboration wouldn’t you think their relationship was better than that? Smiley wrote on huffingtonpost.com, “Sometimes I joke that my life is really divided into two periods, “BT” and “AT,”-- “Before Tom” and “After Tom,” while also writing that he has much love for Joyner.

Listening to the announcement does Joyner feel the same way?

Listen to Joyner’s announcement:
http://players.eonstreams.com/FastAim/Player/Player.php?PlayerID=419&MediaURL=http%3A%2F%2Fmmslb.eonstreams.com%2Fb%2Freachmedia%2F041108%2FTAVIS.wma

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Final Project

Script:

Sound of children playing and laughing; sounds become lowered and children start to cry.

Voice Over

Many orphaned, homeless children in Africa are in need of shelter, food, clothing, and other basic necessities.

Many children are ill fed and one meal a day is their means of survival.

Many children are living without these necessities like hygienic products, clothing and food.

These children also suffer hygiene problems and cannot bathe or shower daily.

Every day 5,760 more children become orphans.

Music plays

Voice Over:
Calling all organizations of the Atlanta University Center, including athletes, Greeks, and bands; help these children by volunteering your services and sending care packages to Africa. Call toll free 1-800-NEED-YOU!

Convicted Felons Right to Vote

Convicted felons are not given the privilege of voting rights in many states.

Envision a 19 year-old male, just convicted of petty theft and sentenced 2 years. After paying his debt to society, he decides to register to vote and voice his thoughts and opinions. Unknowingly, he is declined of his rights due to his criminal history and unable to register because of the law which implies convicted felons are prohibited to vote.

An assembly of African Americans, first sponsor Tyrone Brooks leads this bill with help from Bob Holmes, Alisha Morgan, Sheila Jones, Joe Heckstall and Sharon Beasley-Teague. These representatives of the HR-7 Bill want a resolution to be passed allowing convicted felons (whose crime involves moral turpitude) their right to vote if on probation or parole. This bill is not proposing convicted felons of voting or being a registered voter while incarcerated.

These representatives can relate to this bill due to their ethnic background and some can vouch for victims of this law.

Due to the fact that African Americans have the highest rate of convicted felons and is the largest ethnic group taking up space in our penitentiaries, this law is very effective. Also, African American males encounter everyday stereotypes of being unemployed or portraying these images that African American males are not around to raise their children. These negative images give African Americans a bad reputation in the world and permit them from being successful; including taking their right to vote.

In many states, there is a law where convicted felons do not have the right to vote. This takes away their privileges as an American citizen. The First Amendment is the right to freedom of speech. “Whether in jail or not, you are still affected by the outcome,” mentioned Colby Richardson, an African American student at Morehouse College. By taking these people’s liberties they are not authorized to express their opinions or thoughts. After many years of fighting to have a voice in politics, African Americans were finally given the opportunity to vote. The law now takes their liberties and forbids them to cast their vote in major worldwide and national elections.


A convicted felon is still considered an American citizen, why can’t they vote? This 2008 election is a major, historical election. It is very important to encourage and persuade all to vote and many with a criminal background are unable to vote because of their record. The law in effect now is unfair and unjust.

The latest update on the “HR 7-Persons convicted of certain felonies; voting provisions; prohibitions,” unfortunately did not go into effect. Its status, as of January 25, 2005, was a Second Reader, meaning it was read and reviewed twice and was not implemented. It has been two years since the law was last read, and it is only reviewed in sessions twice. Personally, I think this law, HR-7 should be passed and in effect immediately.

High Hopes (Denika Huggins)

Clark Atlanta University’s sophomore, Denika Huggins deliberates her future as a television broadcaster or host of her own show.

Majoring in Mass Media Arts, contemplating on what field she wants to concentrate in, Huggins has many ideas. She has been introduced to print journalism and feels she has an interest for writing. She was encouraged to write and it opened her eyes to the field of writing. Changing her mind about broadcasting, “my personality is so bubbly, it’s not as conservative as a regular news anchor.” Huggins is considering whether she wants to host a radio show, become a news anchor, or host her own entertainment news show.

As one of the host for, “The Block Party,” Clark Atlanta’s own WSTU 98.1fm radio, she experiences radio hosting with co-host, Primo Stax. During the hours of 6-8pm, Monday and Wednesday, Huggins talks about student events to media, while also playing music of all genres.

Huggins has taken the proposition as an intern this summer with ABC News Channel in D.C., Huggins plans to step her foot in the door of her future. Recommended by Sharon Morton, news anchor with Morton Media, Huggins has many references. She plans to become more familiar with the surroundings and adapt to television and radio settings.

Also, Huggins plans to intern at The Oprah Winfrey Show. “I want to become her mentee. If I become her mentee, I would have some connections and have a possible position with her show and I’m trying to contact her now.” Interning with The Oprah Winfrey Show will allow Huggins to gain and experience necessary knowledge about the Mass Media industry. The Oprah Show offers an exploration of the variety business groups offered and internees will gather an understanding of how each operation will provide to the talk show.

Currently, Huggins has been asked to host “Get Your Hustle On,” for the Hip Hop tour in Panama City, Florida. The tour sponsored by MTV, happening March 10-14 will allow independent artists to gain recognition.
Considering graduate school at Howard University, Huggins is unsure what is awaited for her in the future.