A tale of two homeowners.....

[WCGreen]

If you still believe we live in a free and open economic system where ability is more important than access, please take a few moments to consider the following scenario.

Two Cleveland men serve their country well in WWII. Both return young, unscathed and ready to reap the economic windfalls bestowed on the winner. Markets are free to exploit and everybody in the world needs everything. Outside of a few bumps in the road, prosperity reigns supreme for the country and for Cleveland.

http://www.clevelandcurrent.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=159&Itemid=58


Another column I wrote back in 1997 about the racial paterns here in Cleveland and Cuyahoga county...

It caused a bit of a stir...

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. I'm sure it did cause a bit of a stir...

It does get to the heart of the matter, and rather succinctly too. I suspect that most people would rather not confront their prejudices anywhere, much less get called out on them.

Well done!

[starroute]

2. t've just started reading a book called "Outliers"

I'm only a little ways into it, but it apparently touches on this same stuff -- and attempts to come up with answers for how to make use of everyone's potential.

http://www.amazon.com/Outliers-Story-Success-Malcolm-Gladwell/dp/0316017922/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274730586&sr=1-1

[WCGreen]

3. I've heard of that book...

Thanks for bringing this back up for me...

[noiretextatique]

4. this is why the theft of my great grandparents farm in the 1890's

had an impact on future generations, and most certainly enriched the families of the thieves. racism and discrimination exist as much to benefit white people as to punish non-whites, as you story clearly demonstrates. and of course, it's the gigantic pink elephant in the living. one of the great myths that many white americans treasure is the (false) belief that their hard work alone distinguishes them and their accumulations from others who may not be as wealthy or secure. the entire system was designed for the benefit of white people.
it is a very common story...that same thing happened to my parents. they managed to move to the suburbs in the 80's, but the racism they faced was papable...i could literally feel it when i visisted them.
thanks for writing snd sharing this :hi:

[WCGreen]

5. That was back in 97...

things are even more stratified, in many way, now...

[proud2BlibKansan]

6. Outstanding piece

That very scenario has played out in communities all across the US.

[Number23]

7. Rec'd!

[WCGreen]

8. kick