Reply #5: THANK YOU!!!!

[qwlauren35]

Somehow, I sense that you did this for me. So I want you to know how much I appreciate it.

And goodness knows, the first few lines were hysterical.

With that said... please re-read it as carefully as you can, and tell me if Kerry says anything about *closing* gaps, especially in unemployment. (I have found a document on the website that talks specifically about closing the healthcare gap - I want you to know that I *AM* trying to do my homework!)

He definitely mentions the gap, acknowledges the gap. It's not clear that he understands what causes the gap. (Could one of the factors be... RACISM???? Oh no!!!!!!) And it seems as though he believes that if he addresses the overall concern, that will address the African-American concern.

I'll re-read it again, and see if there was something there that I missed. But I'd love for you to lend your eyes to this as well. If there's a line in which Kerry specifically addresses closing the gap between black and white unemployment rates, please point it out to me.

Oh... and one other thing. This re-emphasis of "the middle class" is awkward. A lot of black folks are quite PROUD that they are NOT middle-class. The consider themselves "working-class". Middle-class is considered the sell-out class, the integrationist/assimilationist class. The "too good for the rest of us" class. So, when Kerry talks about benefitting the middle class, but doesn't mention the working class, this may be an issue.

Don't worry... I will take my statements directly to the Kerry camp momentarily. I'm still working on getting my password.

But again, THANK YOU. For posting the speech. I'll share it with folks. I promise.