I should note last night’s speech went on to say, “Taking on gang life will be one part of a broader outreach to at-risk youth, which involves parents and pastors, coaches and community leaders, in programs ranging from literacy to sports. And I am proud that the leader of this nationwide effort will be our First Lady, Laura Bush.”

This sounds a bit to me like the president’s intention to pull in black voters with his social security comments last week when he said African-Americans die sooner than other races. In the context of that speech, he was attempting to make it seem as if the social security system had something to do with these numbers, when we know they don’t. The numbers prove out that African-Americans who make it to the age at which they would draw social security tend to live just as long as their counterparts of other races. The problem is getting to that age, which is often made difficult for young African-American men by the existence of gangs and gang violence.

Gang experts say there are at least 21,500 gangs — with more than 731,000 members — active nationwide. We’re supposed to believe that Laura Bush is supposed to successfully lead an effort to reduce these numbers and the violence they create. We’re also supposed to gloss over the fact that the effort to reduce gangs is merely a part of a larger effort that will more than likely continue to give money to religious organizations who claim to assist “at-risk youth.”

Again, African-Americans are apparently supposed to be drawn in by the fact that, on the surface, Bush looks to be helping their people. Once one digs deeper, however, it becomes quickly evident that this is nothing more than lip service. The least they could’ve done is name a person who might actually have some measure of credibility in leading this type of effort. Heading up an organization that helps kids read is not even close to leading an organization that helps kids stay alive.

Truly amazing indeed. I might add that the largest growing (and most dangerous) gangs in America now are Asian. Scary part is, they are neither illiterate nor on the radar of “at risk.”

I don’t have as much a problem with Laura Bush at the helm as long as the federal grant money gets awarded to the right organizations … the ones who fight the battle where the gangs are.

sounds like dubya’s fixin’ ta submit a budget that’ll make it all clear

The budget may not be so clear now, despite the budget. What is clear though is that Pell Grants may be increasing in total amount granted, but it’s by only 100 bucks. Anyone who’s ever stepped foot on a college campus knows that 100 bucks might, if you’re lucky, buy a book. Plus, there are going to be changes that mean thousands of people who previously received Pell Grants will no longer be eligible.

All the money Bush promised is coming from cuts in similar funding that was avialble to non-faith based agencies. He stands on a thin religious platform and that is all.