There is no lack of people who want to reverse the downward spiral in Black communities. Liberals, conservatives, Whites, Blacks, Democrats and Republicans all have the same desire; improve the quality of life and prospects of people mired in a lifestyle undeserving of any American citizen, for more than a generation .

Additionally, there is also no lack in the number of programs to address problems in poor and poorly educated communities. Unfortunately, many of these programs have failed, yet remain as the public is told the 'solution' is spending even more money!

What is missing in the discussion to aid Black communities is the resistance to assimilation, essential to being competitive in American society.

"Assimilation" can be as simple as "showing up on time" or "properly dressing" for school and work. It also is "respecting the law" and "behaving civilly" no matter the difficulties.

This brings me to a recent NY Times op-ed by Duke professor Jerry Hough, that addressed the problems faced in Black communities. In writing "How Racism Doomed Baltimore" Hough addressed the "segregating" patterns, http://nyti.ms/1RXrMIi

Not surprisingly, Hough came under fire for wandering off Duke's reservation, drifting away from the 'canned' conclusions most in academia offer when addressing problems in Black communities.

Hough was publicly criticized for the op-ed. 'The comments were noxious, offensive and have no place in civil discourse. Duke University has a deeply-held commitment to inclusiveness grounded in respect for all, and we encourage our community to speak out when they feel that those ideals are challenged or undermined, as they were in this case," stated by Michael Schoenfeld, vice president for public affairs and government relations.

Schoenfeld's criticism of Hough does not advance a long overdue conversation, it muffles it. His view is right in line with most in academia, thoughtful analysis and criticism is verboten in the polite circles of the intellectual set if such remarks makes any disenfranchised group uncomfortable .

So, no matter any gems of wisdom Hough provides, his commentary may only be remembered for the "noxious and offensive" remarks.

But, I cannot let Hough op-ed piece be buried by Schoenfeld. I want to address the key word, "assimilation" which Prof. Hough brought center stage in the discussion, a word mentioned now, rather than decades ago.

You will never see the topic of "assimilation" included in the Afro-American studies syllabus, yet Blacks are the only group of struggling Americans where it needs to be addressed, despite Schoenfeld's refusal to appreciate it.

The problems in many Black communities goes much deeper and without comparison to others who struggle even harder we will never be able to distinguish why most are successful, while Black communities continue to fall further behind.

For example, I've yet to hear of newly arrived Asian, Indian or even African students pressured by their peers not to "act White" by studying as Blacks students are often told.

This is misguided ignorance. Its not 'acting White' to excel academically, its an essential step to achieve success in a chosen career. This is why so many Asian, Indian and African families come to the United States!

I contend the "assimilation divide" begins in public school. Think of mixed groups of six yr olds. Their personalities and behavior patterns are similar. Now add ten yrs to their lives. You will often find a noticeable distinction between the Black children and the other ethnic/race students. In those ten yrs. "something happens", allowing many young Blacks to grow up differently. They develop into adolescence with an edge, a chip on their shoulders against authority in any form.

Unlike White, Asian and Indian children who are 'left alone', young Blacks are targeted, prime "customers" for the agents who want to bring havoc to American governance. They provide little positive support, merely point to outside influences to condition developing children's minds to become hardened against civility!

These young impressionable minds are fed a toxic cocktail which they consume as they develop. Its no wonder they fall well behind others in learning and resistant of assimilation, worsening their opinion of our country.

Academia conveniently points to the "hand they are dealt"; worst poverty than other groups, minimal parenting, and negative influences each day they step out their front door.

But, no matter the causes for the terrible conditions in many Black communities, before we can address any of them, the residents themselves need to believe in American governance.

Without confidence, especially for law enforcement, angry young Blacks will continue to travel a path of

self destruction. This can only be done in the public schools which themselves are failing.

Only when voices like Prof. Hough is allowed to heard rather than muffled through intimidation will the

discussion be seriously addressed.

Ajbruno14 gmail.com

MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL DECADE REUNION 1960-1970

Welcome to On the Issues!

In less than a decade the Internet has surpassed print media, networks

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Regards,

Anthony Bruno

The Sixteenth Amendment..

The Sixteenth Amendment, the Income Tax was ratified in
1913, enacted  to generate revenue to fund the government.
But, it  has become much more,  it became the gift which kept
on giving for almost 100 years. 

The income tax has had the greatest influence on the lives 

of the American people and businesses than any other law.

It has been both an inhibitor and contributor to economic 

growth, it has been a motivator and a destroyer of human 

initiative, it has been an axe wielded at will, often with a 

vengeance on the American people, all in the  name of 

providing for the greater "good", at least this is what we

are told.

It has also been both the greatest stimulus and retardant

to economic growth since its inception.

Time and again politicians used the income tax to advance
their own cause, while dividing the American people.

And now, once again, the battle lines are drawn. Some want

the lower tax rates extended, warning to raise them would

have an adverse affect on a weak economy, while others

believe the highest rate be raised to bring in more revenue.

Politicians long ago understood the value of dividing citizens,

and wealth envy is an important component to do this.

The media play up of the "rich vs poor" angle so the public
remains consumed with this class welfare element that
divides even the best of friends.

How will whatever tax rates are applied strengthen a weak 

job market? We rely on the people we elect to know this,
but its doubtful they do.

To Our Children and their Children....

August 16, 2009

As the next generation of America's leaders you have a responsibility
to preserve the nation as it is, the exceptional beacon of freedom and
liberty it has been for almost three hundred years.

This will not be easy as our nation is gradually evolving to one of
centralized governance with broad powers to influence every part
of your life.

If this warning resonates it means you understand what is going
on around you rather than what consumes you and will become
engaged and talk with your friends about issues you may never
have discussed before.

Your time, energy and desire is critical to protect the worthiest of
goals, preserving the greatest nation which ever existed.

This battle will not be easy as you will be up against the power
of the political class which believes every difficulty you face can
be eased by simply turning over your personal responsibilities to
them.

But the government will conveniently avoid mentioning the cost;
your freedom, your liberty, your rights and whatever monetary
price is required to pay the cost.

If the politicians prevails with this stealth-like intrusion on your
life you will be the first generation totally dependent upon your
government for essential services coupled with enforced mandates
on even the most basic decisions you have to make.

You will also be the first generation to see the lose of your state's
sovereignty as the Federal government will also encroach on their
authority, forcing them to comply with mandates or lose funds for
essential projects and services.

This message is so important that I urge you to meet with your
friends to discuss what is occurring and how to stop it.

It is up to YOU to ensure the country remains exceptional, and
continue to provide all Americans the opportunity to excel so they
can become the next generation of extraordinary individuals rather
than merely servants to a central government, with no voice and
meaningless representation.

You have America's future in your hands. Don't let the opportunity
to stop our nation from continuing its slide. Do what needs to be
done.
Anthony Bruno
Cary, NC

"Comprehensive" Immigration Reform

Nov. 1, 2010

"Comprehensive" Immigration Reform, what does this mean?

The American people have not been well-served by politicians who are seeking to

resolve a problem which has been with us for decades, illegal entry into our country

by millions of people through our Southern border.

The problem is again being addressed as one having to do with our immigration 

policy but not supported with any evidence of flaws that need to be corrected.

As with most issues there are two camps. One believes the millions of people 

who entered the United States illegally should be allowed to stay and the policy

needs "comprehensive" changes which would allow illegal entrants to remain.

The other camp believe existing immigration laws need to be enforced and not

relax the requirements to gain citizenship for anyone illegally entering the 

country.

Putting these opposing arguments aside the American people need to understand
the crux of the problem, the govt ineffectiveness combating illegal entry into our

country and prosecuting the people breaking our laws.

What should have been simple legislation to enforce or change immigration policy

has been a political battle with inflammatory charges tossed by opposing interests

for over a decade and grows worse in cost and inequity to those actually "waiting

in line" and the American workforce which has been impacted due to the millions

of workers illegally employed.

There is another concern rarely discussed, nor addressed,  the majority of the 

illegal aliens do not meet the needs of our country. Most are not well educated

and lack the skills in demand in our complex technological society.

Most unskilled illegal aliens will settle for whatever low pay work they can get. 

This is not a criticism of the work ethic they bring to our nation which should be

appreciated. 

But it does identify the tremendous burden and drain on our limited resources

as these workers are eligible for benefits we provide for low income workers, 

no matter their legal status.

Another part of the immigration issue which has not gotten much attention has 

been the failure to accelerate immigration of  high skilled workers  to meet the

demand of technology companies.

The need for medical and technical professionals cannot be fulfilled due to the

quota limits of current immigration law and drives American companies overseas 

to meet their needs.

Without an increase in H1B or similar specialty visas we will continue to have 

a shortage of professionals to supplement positions that are in short supply.

When the words "comprehensive reform" is connected with immigration it needs

to include qualifiers to meet the demands of American industry not solely the

political interests of any constituency, legal or illegal.

Health Care Legislation

 Nov. 10, 2010

Something to think about.....

"Over reaching" is a term often used to describe the backlash when you go too
far. This sums up what Democrats did last year when they pushed through a 
massive heath care bill with a degree of tone-deaf arrogance rarely seen by a
political class anxious to gain support from the electorate.

The most notable failure of the Democratic leadership was the top down approach 
used to pass the health care bill. The leadership introduced a bill that was not even
written by the last Congress. It was legislation previously written, just waiting for a
Democrat to be elected President. And with President Obama Congress  thought
they had the right man to husband whatever legislation it wanted to pass.

This all encompassing 3000 page bill filled with goodies for favored constituencies
and paid for by others was the catalyst to bring us to where we are today. This act 
stands as the poster child to "over reaching", which thankfully brought the election
results which hopefully represent the people's interests, rather than special ones.

Last week's election results clearly showed how the majority of Americans felt as
they voted out  Democrats and gave Republicans a majority. The public's angst
would have been surprising if we were to believe the positive reporting by the
mostly media which lauded the benefits of the health care bill with scant mention
of the concerns.  Fortunately, many Americans took the time to do what many in
Congress did not do, they read the bill!

Health care legislation is the largest expansion of  government since FDR was 
president and proved to be too much as the biggest rebuff of big govt in our history
was displayed from coast to coast.

If there was a serious desire to strengthen the weak spots in the American health 
care industry Congress could have reached back to the last major  effort to pass 
health care in 1993, well known as "Hillary Care".  It  would have been wiser if it 
dusted off  that bill and introduced it once again.

"Hillary Care" was one third the size of what Congress passed in 2009. The bill 
was simple,  clear and I am certain could have held up to public scrutiny.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinton_health_care_plan_of_1993

The minutia and complexity of this health care bill is too costly and will lead to 
uncounted and incalculable unintended consequences.
 
A Republican majority Congress will push to repeal the existing bill and introduce
targeted legislation to benefit those who need assistance, not create another 
multi-tentacled agency.

We all want better health care, so perhaps the new Congress can go "Back to the 
Future" and give the American people legislation all can agree on.