US income inequality chart

Just want to keep this link to US income inequality from Mother Jones Magazine.

Black/Hispanic vs. Wealth Gap Takes Huge Jump

The Pew Research Center has publish a report that show the asset ratio between Whites as compared to Blacks and Hispanics has has jumped from 7:1 in 1995 to 20:1 in 2010. An increase of nearly 300%. The primary reason is the increase in Black unemployment and the number of sub-prime foreclosures.

The summary is here and the full study is here.

Discrimination against the long term unemployed

An excellent story about discrimination against the unemployed. In the New York Times, July 26th, 2011 edition. Employers want currently employed or recently laid off workers.

SF considers banning discrimination against ex-cons

San Franciso's council on human right is considering a long over due step: banning discrimination again ex-convicts. I am glad someone is recognizing the problems ex-criminals have re0intergrating into society. Get a job is one of the keys to success in society. Ex-convicts can have a positive impact on society when they are given half a chance. Many southern states have measures reduce ex-convict rights, including the right to vote, long after they are released. This type of law is need against a group of people who are constantly discriminated against. The story is here.

Dropouts: The high cost to society of dropping out

NPR is about to start a series on people who drop out of high school. Dropouts have an enormous total cost on society. The series is here.

The issue is a perfect microcosm for US society. You can just as easily switch dropout, poor person or Black person. I must congradulate Claudio Sanchez for find a way to discuss what the majority do not want to discuss: The US underclass and inequality in society. Education is the one workable lever in the US for reducing inequality in society. Everyone is pulling on it; Obama, Bill Gates, Congress, Bloomberg; but no one knows what to do.

Mr. Sanchez explores the true cost to society of the lost potential of a dropout.

White Man's Burden

Ever wonder where the phrase "White Mans Burden" came from. It came from a poem by Rudyard Kipling. Wikipedia has a reference.

Year Up: Warning website has a picture of a Black Man at a Computer

Year Up is a company that runs workforce development programs. Their curriculum is focus on computer skills and business polish. I have got to admire them for trying. The program looks good.

Warning: Web-site features Black man at a computer. As though getting a job was as simple as looking at a computer.