After returning from the manic state of euphoria over the election of the first African American president, I was struck with a difficult reality. Who speaks for the truly disadvantaged of America? We know about corporate bailouts, tax cuts for the middle class and tax breaks for the wealthy. But where are the breaks for the truly marginalized segments of American society. Where is the poor people's agenda? Early in the presidential race, John Edwards put forth his agenda for the working poor, but of course his voice was silenced due to his $400 haircuts and his possible contribution to single motherhood.
The category of the truly disadvantaged is occupied by poor whites and people of color. These individuals lack access not only to financial resources but to jobs and education. The Workforce Reinvestment Act promised to lift millions of poor people out of poverty, but has been unable to deliver in the face of a nation engaged in two wars and declining job opportunities across class lines.
The Obama/Biden poverty agenda promises to expand job and educational opportunities; increase capital investments to under-served communities; raise the minimum age; help youth connect to jobs; expand earned income credits and make college tuition affordable. However, in the face of a declining global economy, corporate bailouts for Wall Street and increasing decline of the middle class, will the president and his administration really have time for marginalized black, brown and poor people who don't have an address on Wall Street or Main Street.
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