Outsourcing, not minimum wage, keeps blacks out of work Re: “Why the minimum wage keeps blacks jobless,” Aug. 31
In this rather compelling column, Walter Williams asks: “How might one explain yesteryear’s lower black unemployment and greater labor force participation?”
The answer, very succinctly, lies in the times. Taking the time period he referenced (“up until the late 1950s”) into consideration, Williams failed to take into account two important elements:
1. There was no mass influx of immigrants to compete with blacks for jobs during that time.
2. A vast majority of jobs held by blacks were related to the prevalent agrarian society.
I maintain that there are a multitude of reasons why black employment has imploded most recently. However, the minimum wage is not one of them.
Government policies that allow corporations to consistently ship jobs overseas while simultaneously being rewarded with tax breaks is the real culprit in today’s high black unemployment.
Marvin E. Adams
Washington
Examiner is too critical of President Obama
Re: “Disrespectful anti-Obama articles weaken the nation,” From Readers, Aug. 25
I agree with Ken Harris about The Examiner’s continued bias against President Obama. I’m sure you tried to find some way to blame the recent earthquake in Washington on the fact that he was on vacation rather than in the White House.
I’ve voted in every presidential election since 1941, sometimes for a Republican, sometimes for a Democrat. Some of my picks have been winners, some losers. But no matter who won, I respected him for doing his best in a job in which nobody can be perfect.
Mary Kelly
Fairfax
One Prince George’s County Council candidate stands out
I have had the opportunity to see and hear 11 of the 15 candidates campaigning to fill the vacant District 6 seat on the Prince George’s County Council. After serving two terms representing citizens in District 6, and after having been honored by my peers twice to serve as chairman, I know what it takes to be an effective council member.
None of the other 10 candidates has Arthur Turner’s level of leadership, diversity of knowledge, skills, community activism, coalition building and specialized council-related experience, all of which are essential to perform the work of this office.
Turner is, without question, the best qualified candidate. My wife, Donna, and I have known and worked with him for well over 15 years. During that time he has been, and continues to be, an exemplary community leader and activist who works diligently and consistently to make Prince George’s County the best that it can be. That service did not start when he decided to run for political office.
Donna and I will vote for Arthur Turner during the special primary election scheduled for Sept. 20 and we strongly encourage other District 6 voters to join us.
Samuel H. Dean
Mitchellville
