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To the editor,
An important staff editorial appeared in the Raleigh News & Observer November 20, 1996. It was about the widening affordable-housing
gap, which is driving people apart.
Suggestions in the editorial: "Look at easing outdated restrictions
on some kinds of manufactured housing. Reconsider other aspects of
residential zoning-lot size, setbacks, height limits-that push up unit
costs. Get serious about underwriting major conversion of vacant downtown
space to moderate income homes."
By omission, it is clear that caps on rent are off limits for
discussion in the N&O. The editorial listed other solutions that will help
the poor far less than reasonable and honest rents. This is similar to some
of the slick politicians pitching for repeal of the food tax in order to
help low income people. But honest, reasonable market price limits on
rents, drugs, medical care, profit rates, professional fees and service
charges would help the poor more.
Politicians from the President, through the Governor and on down
are foxy. They are aware that any business that has been robbing people
blind, including small business, doesn't want to hear about reasonable
price limits. Many politicians are taking influence money and influence
favors from this kind of business. To protect the influence money, the
politicians keep reasonable price limits off their agenda and preoccupy the
voters with other things.
Generally, the minority of honest capitalists has no problem with
reasonable limits on rents and prices. The capitalist thief does.
I would like to see nationwide ballot initiative powers at all
levels of government. This way, despite the forces of the greedy rich and
the crooked lawmakers, the people can mandate things like honesty and
reasonability in rents, home buying, prices, fees, service charges,
advertising, campaign funding, big government salaries and big government
retirements.
Gabriel Apollo
Raleigh
To the editor,
We will continue to fight for our Latino communities.
The evidence is in and undeniable. President Clinton and the
majority of Congress are creating more poverty and hunger for Latinos and
other poor people. They call it a reform act, we condemn it and call it a
criminal act.
The Republicans and Democrats have passed a bill that removes the
safety net for the poor and unemployed. Bill Clinton and these politicians
and the wealthy ruling interests they protect are severing the lifeline of
the countless families who find themselves living on the edge of
starvation. With rising unemployment rates, many find themselves facing
poverty for the first time in their lives. Minimum wage, part-time or
temporary jobs will not keep a family out of poverty. Furthermore there are
no indications as to how people will survive and meet their basic needs.
The welfare "reform" law is a definite shift away from an America
based to a large degree on morality. They have convinced some people that
their "taxes and families" are more important than other peoples' lives.
They have used the "family values" issue to imply that the poor and
unemployed have no values and are therefore less than human. There is no
justification for the attack on the poor in this country. It is cold,
callused murder. It is the greed of corporations maintaining profit margins
at the expense of the poor and the humanity of America.
The issue is not what we as individuals need to give, but rather it
is how we should use the wealth of society to provide for the needs of its
people. Our family and cultural experiences, like many others in the United
States, have taught us to extend our hand to a brother or sister in need,
and not abandon them.
We cannot stand and watch our children drown. There is no reasoning
to be done. It is instinct, humanity.
A war has been declared on the poor and on us all. Let us all
prepare to fight for humanity and for our Latino communities.
¡Hasta la victoria!
Wilfredo Rivera
Benson
To the editor-all,
I have been a Friend of The Prism since its early publication and over the
years have enjoyed watching the publication mature and grow. Enclosed is my
personal check for the next year's subscription. Compliments to all for the
"super" March issue.
Pearl Berlin
High Point
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