Using MLK to divide America

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Economic Equality a Civil Rights Issue
By DEEPTI HAJELA, Associated Press Writer

It had to happen, of course. There's always going to be someone out there determined to use Martin Luther King and his day to proclaim how bad it is for black minorities. Only this one proclaims the division is economics. Yessir, it's the ol' "gap in wealth" argument - but just for the black population.

Economic equality has become the paramount civil rights issue of the 21st century, civil rights advocates said as they prepared to celebrate King's birthday on Monday.

Fewer blacks than whites own their houses, get fair loans, invest in the stock market or sit on corporate boards, or have any real control over much of the trillions of dollars flowing in mutual funds, pension plans and the financial markets, they said.

What nonsense. First of all, home ownership for blacks is higher than it's ever been under this administration. With the huge variety of loan packages that require absolutely no cash down and gift programs for the closing costs, home ownership has never been more wide open to anyone... even those with iffy credit.

Discrimination? What a crock. There are federal AND state laws in place for Fair Housing, not to mention the Civil Rights Act, that prohibit discrimination based on color as well as other "special" Americans. Any potential buyer who experiences genuine discrimination by lenders, sellers or real estate professionals will find themselves unbelievably wealthy at the end of a successful law suit.

The ability to invest in stocks is available to anyone who cares to indulge. However, if sitting on boards or having control over "trillions of dollars" is the beef, then join the rest of us. That kind of power is held by only a tiny percentage of Americans. So what makes the black population so special with their whining about lack of excessive wealth?

You want that power? It ain't gonna come from welfare, affirmative action, or any other gov't hand out. That's pure entrepreneurialship... and that is a trait that knows no color boundaries.

This entire article does nothing but scream about American financial inequity, claiming that blacks suffer unduly. I suggest that most of the country is subject to the same limitations as the black population. But those limitations are not laid on us by gov't or racial hatred. Instead or limitations to success is set by each and every one of us individually, having nothing to do with color.

I sincerely doubt Mr. King would be thrilled with black caucus leadership today. Jesse Jackson and ilk have done more to oppress the black population than inspire them to new heights. And slowly but surely, I think they are seeing that truth themselves.